Sue Gunselman for Mainspring of Ephrata

I grew up in Ephrata—and like many of you, I have great memories of our town. Popping balloons at Newberry’s… getting my ears pierced at Bill Myers Jewelry Shop… buying my first Frye boots at Warren’s… and shopping with my mom at Vertie’s.

Yup, I’m showing my age—but I remember how special Ephrata felt. And I still believe in this town today.

That’s why, for the past five years, I’ve served on the Board of Mainspring of Ephrata, working to support the programs and projects that keep our town vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong. This Friday is Extra Give Day, and I’m asking you to consider supporting Mainspring—an organization making a real impact in our community.

Why I'm Fundraising for Mainspring of Ephrata
If you've enjoyed a First Saturday downtown, marveled at the Tree Lighting ceremony, or explored trails at Heatherwood Bike Park, you've experienced Mainspring of Ephrata's work firsthand.

Behind every community event, restored storefront, and public space where neighbors connect stands Mainspring of Ephrata – and that's why I'm asking you to support them during ExtraGive.

The Impact You Can See
Walk down Main Street and the transformation is everywhere. The Franklin Street Mural that's become a community landmark. Historic storefronts revitalized through the Facade Improvement Grant program. The award-winning Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park – we were the spark that brought that vision to life. Heatherwood Bike Park drawing visitors from across the region.

These aren't just amenities. They're economic drivers that boost property values, attract businesses, and create the vibrancy that makes communities thrive.

The Experiences You Remember
Think about moments that make Ephrata feel like home: The Tree Lighting ceremony – over 100 years of tradition – bringing thousands downtown. First Saturdays every summer month with live music, local vendors, and FREE events like Back to the Books (backpacks for kids!) and Chalk the Walk. The Luminary Trail that honors our veterans. Mainspring organizes it all – and keeps it FREE and welcoming.

The Work Behind the Scenes
Beyond visible projects, Mainspring strengthens our local economy by leading the Downtown Business & Property Owners Association and supporting entrepreneurs. As an accredited Main Street America program, they bring resources and expertise that help our historic downtown thrive while preserving its character.

Here's the Reality: 75% of Mainspring's work is funded by private donations.

Last year, volunteers contributed over 1,900 hours (valued at nearly $50,000). But volunteer time can't pay for event permits, art supplies, marketing, or program costs. Financial support turns ideas into reality. Every amount creates impact. $50 promotes events drawing hundreds downtown. $100 contributes to public art. $250 funds community programming.

Make It Count Even More on November 21st. Special matching opportunities will double your impact:

• Midnight-10 AM: Fuel the Fire Match (up to $500)
• 11 AM-2 PM: Rooted Here Match from The Groves (up to $1,000)
• 4-8 PM: Happy Hour Match (up to $1,000)

This Is About Believing in Ephrata
Supporting Mainspring means believing Ephrata can be extraordinary. It means choosing to invest in the community we want, not just hoping someone else will build it.

I'm one of those people. I hope you are too. Thank you for supporting a town that has meant so much to me - and still does. 

Please join me in supporting Mainspring during ExtraGive, and together we're building the Ephrata we all want to call home.

Thank you for caring about our community's future.

With appreciation,

Sue

P.S. Even a small gift during a matching hour goes twice as far. Thank you for helping keep Ephrata strong.