The silver lining to the pandemic has been the incredible amount of generosity and the giving spirit that has been ignited. Several fundraisers have popped up - this one in a neighborhood in Beacon by a family who wanted to do a Super Bowl pool-style collection. Beacon resident Tom Virgadamo, who is a teacher at Haldane and soccer and baseball coach in Beacon, and his kids collected 100 donations of $30 each. They randomly selected six winners to donate $500 or $250 to various local businesses of their choice. One winner even donated an additional $250 on top.

Said Tom in his Instagram: “We reached out to every location and everyone was extremely appreciative! Six have received payment thus far. Due to an increase in interest, the kids are working on creating an ‘Easter’ themed raffle to continue spreading positivity and hope to your favorite local shops in your community. We plan to raise another $3,000-$6,000 starting Thursday and will end Good Friday,” April 10.

Businesses included Beacon D’Lites, Stinson’s Hub, Beacon Performing Arts Center, B. Hair Studio, The Blushery, Story Screen Beacon, Twins Barbershop, and Utensil.

Interested in giving? Keep it tuned to Tom’s Instagram, @teddybeartommy17 for an announcement.

A Little Beacon Blog has updated our Restaurant Guide with links to GoFundMe campaigns that some restaurants like the Yankee Clipper Diner and Chill have created to raise money. This is a great way to financially reach businesses who are temporarily closed and are not doing delivery.