WILMINGTON — Owners of downtown businesses hit by Tropical Storm Irene can apply for grants to help them rebuild their livelihoods on Friday, Sept. 30.
The relief fund grants made possible from numerous donations are intended to help business owners offset any replacement costs or repair expenses.
Adam Palmiter, of Palmiter Realty Group, set up a charitable website to help his neighbors recover from Irene's damaging floods, which inundated downtown Wilmington last month.
“Unfortunately, flood insurance and FEMA rarely give support to businesses that lose inventory or equipment,” wrote Palmiter on his website.
Palimiter, who grew up in Wilmington, said he had experience raising funds for nonprofits and felt it was important to establish a fund quickly before press attention waned.
He manages the Wilmington flood relief fund in partnership with the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club and the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“We have 501(c)3 [official IRS non-profit, tax-deductible] status, so donate huge amounts!” Palmiter urged potential donors on his website.
So far, the charity has raised $138,545 of its $2 million goal.
Grant applications can be picked up up at the Dover, Wilmington, or Whitingham post offices, the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce, or via the website.
A committee will consider each application and award grants on a rolling basis, said Palmiter.
Palmiter encourages businesses to apply as soon as possible.