Keweenaw Chevrolet BUICK GMC, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau (KCVB) are rallying community members to support local restaurants and bars through a series of “cash mobs” this holiday season. The event organizers have launched the Keweenaw’s 12 Days of Christmas to assist struggling businesses and plan to give away $2,000 in Keweenaw Cash to incentive local support.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 12 and running through Wednesday, Dec. 23, the public will be encouraged to order carryout or purchase gift certificates at a different local restaurant or bar each day. The businesses will be randomly selected on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Keweenaw Chevrolet dealership in Houghton at noon and live streamed on the Chamber’s and KCVB’s Facebook pages. Participating shoppers will be entered to win a $500 Keweenaw Cash gift certificate redeemable at more than 300 Keweenaw businesses.

“This is an event to boost the sales of local restaurants and bars, it creates local activity, and it’s a fun way to make a direct impact,” explained Brandon Schlief, Keweenaw Chevrolet BUICK GMC. “Our community needs our support,” he added.

The initiative organizers were inspired by other communities’ use of “cash mobs” to support small businesses. Cash mobs are coordinated efforts to rally customers to shop or patron a local business and the overall community.

“At the end of the day, these businesses give so much to the community through jobs, taxes and donations. They’re part of what makes the Keweenaw such a unique place,” Brad Barnett, KCVB executive director added. “Every purchase is meaningful, and the majority of those dollars stay in the community.”

For more details on the Keweenaw 12 Days of Christmas Event, visit https://www.facebook.com/michiganskeweenawpeninsula or https://www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber.