
St. Louis Residents to Lead 'Spending Caravan' Along Gulf Coast
Organizers Take Unique Approach to Raise Awareness, Hope for Small Businesses and Gulf Residents
ST. LOUIS, July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As clean-up continues from the country's worst environmental disaster, a group of concerned St. Louis residents plan to spend a week in August leading a caravan of support across the Gulf Coast, spending money at small businesses along the route with funds raised from around the country.
The team has been collecting money through its website, Facebook and word of mouth, all of which will be spent from Aug. 9-13 at small businesses along the Gulf. Those who contribute $20 or more will receive an item purchased in their name during the caravan. Participants are covering their own transportation and lodging costs for the trip.
Organizer Dennis Gorg said, "We've learned of so many businesses in the Gulf region that are losing their customers, employees and dreams because of the impact on tourism. As a small business owner, I can't imagine how I'd support the people who depend on me. We can do something. We can become tourists with a purpose."
Since the effort's inception a week ago, Gorg has received dozens of inquiries from potential caravan participants and nearly $2000 in donations. The caravan will depart on Aug. 9 from St. Louis, concluding four days later in Lower Grand Lagoon, FL.
Caravan participants will blog and post Facebook messages along the way. Media are invited to accompany or meet the caravan at any stop on the route. Those who can't make the trip can contribute funds to spend on their behalf via PayPal by visiting the group's website at www.gulfcaravan.com.
Daily kick-off events (for a full itinerary, visit www.gulfcaravan.com):
Monday, August 9, 2010
8 AM Depart St. Louis, Missouri
to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Kick-off/Coffee Cartel
#2 Maryland Plaza
Saint Louis, Missouri 63108
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
9 AM Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Kick-off/The Buttercup
112 North Second Street
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39520
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
9 AM Gulf Shores Alabama
Kick-off/Big O's Seafood Grill
1209 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
Thursday, August 12, 2010
9 AM Lullwater Beach on Gulf of Mexico
Day Starting Event
Sunnyside Grill
21828 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Bch, FL 32413
Friday, August 13, 2010
Return to St. Louis Missouri
SOURCE Gulf Caravan
Share this article