You see their names all the time, the same ones over and over. You see their names on T shirts at 5K road races and Tee signs at golf tournaments and on lists in “Thank You For Your Support”  letters to the editor.

They are the small town businesses who give constantly and repeatedly to the fundraising events making money for our treasured charities. They donate gift certificates and raffle, door and auction prizes and just plain cash because it’s their way of “giving back” to their communities.

There are over 450 events on sportingAcause.com all of which have business sponsors. And that’s just sports-related fundraisers. The total fundraisers must be in the many thousands in the Tri-State area – all business-supported.

And as we know, their support underwrites the events’ expenses. Without those sponsors, there are no fundraisers.

Now, in the time of the coronavirus, many of those businesses are hurting – especially those who have been ordered by law to close. Some like restaurants and breweries are open for takeout or delivery only. It won’t be enough to sustain them indefinitely, but it may keep them afloat for the short term – maybe.

So here is where we can help. Please, please make it a point- no- make it your mission to patronize the restaurants and breweries in your town by stopping by for takeout or ordering delivered meals or getting a six pack to go. These businesses need our support more than you know.

It’s our turn now, and “giving back” is a two-way road.