Laredo Books & More Gets Second Chance at $250K Pepsi Refresh Grant
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 2, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Online grant applications can help bring bookstore back to Laredo
(Laredo, TX – Sept 1, 2010) If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That is the motivation behind Mary Benavides’ effort to help bring a new, “new book” bookstore to Laredo. Last month, Benavides was in the running to receive a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. While the application was not one of the Top 2 vote-getters, it did make it to the Top 100 – final rank of 61 after starting out at 475. However, Pepsi was so impressed with the project and effort, that the application was given another chance to compete for the grant this month. Even though all previous votes have been erased, and the application is now in 184th place, organizers are confident that Laredo can help make this the top vote-getter for September. And voting is still done the same way: via the Internet and mobile phone.
According to the Pepsi website, “Pepsi is giving away millions in grants to refresh individuals and communities. We’re looking for people, businesses and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact. Look around your community and think about how you want to change it.”
Anyone who wants to see a new, “new book” bookstore in Laredo has until September 30 to vote. To vote online, visit www.laredobooksandmore.com and, click on the Vote For This Idea button, and follow the short menu to submit your vote. Votes can also be sent by mobile phone. Text 101933 to PEPSI (73774); standard messaging rates apply. Supporters of Laredo Books & More can vote once per day, via each option, until September 30.
Another world wide web option to help support Laredo Books & More and also has a deadline looming at the end of this month is the $30,000 grant application from Love a Local Business. This project is designed to help local businesses also grow and impact their community.
Log on to http://lovealocalbusiness.intuit.com, and select the I’m a Fan of a Local Business icon, and on the map, find the heart that reads Laredo Books & More. Click on the icon, and follow the short menu to sign up and vote. Vote everyday to help raise the profile of this business so that it may also win this award.
“I’m really excited about opening a bookstore in Laredo,” said Benavides. “Laredo Books & More will allow me to continue providing books to our great city of Laredo, but also, as the name implies, it will be more than just a bookstore. I want to create a true community atmosphere with student performances, poetry contests, reading clubs and more. But I need Laredo’s help. Please vote,” she concluded.
