Though Uptown Westerville has looked a little different lately, the local pride and support for the business community is as strong as ever.
Megan Owdom-Weitz and her husband, Erik, owners of Megan Lee Designs, have been Westerville residents and business owners for more than five years. When COVID-19 shutdowns began, they started looking for a new way to support the community during a difficult time.
Previously the couple has created designs to benefit the Westerville Police Department, the Westerville Public Library, My Very Own Blanket and RESCUEDohio. With this experience, it’s safe to say that they were ready to spring into action this spring.
“I have a friend in Michigan who is also a small screen printer and they did a project with a similar idea of trying to rally the community and raise money by selling T-shirts to support local businesses, and support those affected by COVID-19,” Weitz says.
Their idea was to show their Westerville pride on their sleeves – literally. They began by creating T-shirts, onesies for babies and tote bags that reflect a theme of uptown pride to rally the community to support businesses struggling during the shutdown. All shops, stores and restaurants in the area were welcome to participate. Weitz set out with a goal of selling 3,000 shirts, and $12 of every sale would go to the participating businesses.
“A lot of business owners volunteered and helped deliver the orders while some community members helped pack things together for pickup days,” Weitz says. “We had a ton of help and support and it was a pretty positive response.”
By the end of the campaign, they had raised nearly $17,000 and 34 businesses received $500 checks. Weitz organized a socially distanced check party that gave a little sense of normalcy and an opportunity to celebrate each other.
During this holiday season, uptown businesses are adjusting to accommodate a slightly different holiday shopping season. Weitz is not only looking forward to a busy season for Megan Lee Designs, she is also in the process of creating a non-profit called Megan Lee Gives.
“I’ve always wanted to start a non-profit and do community-focused projects,” Weitz says. “This will be the next step.”
There is no denying it: Weitz and Erik care deeply about the Westerville community and are not only active business owners but truly supportive neighbors.
“I grew up in Clintonville, but am very happy to call Westerville home and raise my kids here,” Weitz says. “It’s been such a positive welcoming since we got here.”
Rocco Falleti is an associate editor. Feedback welcome at rfalleti@cityscenecolumbus.com.
