Wednesday, April 27, is Spring2ACTion, and we cannot wait! By far, Spring2ACTion is my favorite event of the entire year. Maybe even my favorite day of the year. The outpouring of support for our nonprofit community and the folks they serve is truly magical. I love that, collectively, we all are doing something decidedly positive for Alexandria. Plus, a little friendly competition for prize money is always fun.  

Last year, you really made a difference at a time when the need was so acute. During Spring2ACTion, more than 150 nonprofits that serve Alexandria raised nearly $2.5 million! Let’s see if we can do it again! There are several ways you can help:

• Make a donation online. It’s that simple. Early giving has already started if you want to get ahead of the curve. Otherwise, open your wallets and be as generous as your budget allows on April 27!

• Tell others about Spring2ACTion. Break out your address book or contact list and ask everyone you know if they would give to your favorite cause. The multiplying effect of Spring2ACTion is what makes this event so successful. When you introduce your friends, family, customers, and coworkers to an organization you’re passionate about, you are getting others excited as well. Possibly excited enough that they, too, will become a lifelong supporter!

• Shop at Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post. We will be donating 20 percent of your purchase that day to the participating Spring2ACTion charity of your choice. Just mention it in the store or put it in the notes section online so they will get the credit. All donations will be made that day and go towards the nonprofit’s totals, getting them closer to winning big prize money!

• Win thousands of dollars for your nonprofit by designating Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post. When you do, your cause has the chance to win up to $3,000 in prize money from us! Each store will be awarding $1,500 in prize money - $1,000 to the charity that receives the most designations and $500 to the charity with a store designation that raised the most money through those designations. The donations will be made online by midnight, which means they will go toward your totals. Last year we gave $1,500 to Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, $1,000 to Washington Street UMC Preschool, and $500 to Scholarship Fund for Alexandria. This year it could be your favorite cause!  

So, if you are a nonprofit or are fundraising for one, tell all your donors to shop at or designate Penny Post or Red Barn Mercantile!

Last year, Old Town Business and Del Ray Business Association duked it out to see which business association could raise the most money and donors on Spring2ACTion. It turned out to be a draw, with DRBA raising the most donors and Old Town Business raising the most money. This year the competition is even more stiff, with Old Town North and West End Business Association joining in on the fun. When you give your donation, designate your favorite Old Town business or Old Town Business Association.

Alexandria Stylebook members participating are Alexandria Wellness, fibre space, The Patterson Group, Penny Post, Red Barn Mercantile, The Hive, The Shoe Hive, and Yellow Jacket. And a big shout out to The Patterson Group and Helen Olivia for being sponsors this year! 

Spring2ACTion is an efficient and highly effective way to raise money for the organizations that service Alexandrians in need. I hope you will join us in the fun and fundraising on April 27!

PS:  If you are a nonprofit and have questions about our fundraising efforts, please email us!