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