Big 5 Sporting Goods has teamed up with the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association to raise funds for the victims of January's fire near Alamo Square. The fire affected three buildings and 17 units, displacing 25 residents, including two families with small children.
Big 5 has been a financial supporter of both Alamo Square and the Panhandle Park since 2012, and a Bay to Breakers sponsor since 2007. As the race grew in both size and enthusiasm in recent years, Big 5's Director of Public Affairs Rick Gridley reached out to the Parks Alliance to offer the company's support.
"It became apparent the impact the race has on the parks," he told us. Over 11 tons of trash was collected after last year's Bay to Breaker's race.
The Parks Alliance connected him with the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association (ASNA) as well as the North of the Panhandle Neighborhood Association (NOPNA) to collaborate on an agreement that would both ensure a successful Bay to Breakers race, and maintain the longevity and quality of the neighborhood's parks.
The solution was simple: all Bay to Breakers participants receive a discount at Big 5. When they spend money there, a certain percentage is set aside for Alamo Square and the Panhandle. Since 2012, $88,000 has been donated to both ASNA and NOPNA by Big 5 Sporting Goods.
But now, Big 5 is taking neighborhood involvement one step further.
Gus Hernandez, president of ASNA, reached out to Rick earlier this year in search of assistance for the displaced residents of the fire. Eager to help, Big 5 offered to donate $5,000 in matching donations towards ASNA's Fire Fund. A GoFundMe page has been set up, with $150 raised as of this morning.
"Our hope is that the 35 residents displaced by the McAllister Street fire get a little help from neighbors and friends in rebuilding their lives," the page says.
Donations on the page will be accepted through the end of April.
And mark your calendars—on Thursday March 26th, Rare Device will be hosting a raffle with prizes from designers that they carry. Stop by during The Bold Italic's Divisadero Microhood event and pick up a ticket.
Finally, on April 16th another fire fundraiser will be held at Madrone from 6-9pm. Similar to the one held at Mini Bar last month (which raised over $3,000), there will be a raffle drawing with prizes from local businesses.
