Second round of community relief fund recipients announced

The United Way of the Brazos Valley announced its second batch of recipients for the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.

More than $222,000 will be given out to four nonprofits and 17 local businesses.

The community relief fund was announced three weeks ago and has since granted a total of $432,700 to eight nonprofits and 31 small businesses. Out of the funds rewarded so far, $100,510 are from the City of Bryan's match.

One of the businesses on that list was 7F Lodge & Events. Manager Lisa Wantuck said since COVID-19 surfaced, they've had to postpone 10 weddings.

"It's heartbreaking, the brides and the grooms are emotional about it, and we're emotional about it," said Wantuck.

Wantuck was scared for her business until she found out they were one of the 17 businesses to receive a grant.

"The impact that'll make on our business with having very little to no income coming in, well, it'll hopefully put us over the hump until things get back to normal," said Wantuck.

The relief fund started with a few people in the community. One of them is Patricia Gerling with the Community Foundation.

"We want to help our neighbors, and this is just one community effort to be able to reach out and help each other," said Gerling. "We have raised $390,000 to date and the City of Bryan has put up $500,000 in matching funds."

Out of the four nonprofits, The Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley was on the list. CEO Tiffany Parker said it couldn't have come a better time.

"I'm excited for our families," said Parker. "Excited because we know with these funds we'll be able to serve them in a mighty way, and we're thankful for those that were on the panel that selected our organization."

There will still be at least one more phase of recipients announced, that will help businesses and nonprofits.

Included in this batch of nonprofit recipients are the following:

• Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley

• Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas

• Faith Mission and Help Center, Inc.

• St. Vincent de Paul Society of Bryan-College Station

Included in this batch of local business recipients are the following:

• 4.0 Cuts Barber Salon

• 7F Lodge and Events

• Adult & Teen Challenge

• And Sew On

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