In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a boutique owner in Idaho has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to help mom and pop shops hit by the tropical storm.
Small businesses have to stick together -- at least, that's the Cheekys Brand mentality.
The western-themed women's apparel company based in New Plymouth is donating cash, apparel and jewelry to Texas, to help local boutiques rebuild after Hurricane Harvey.
"A check is a check, but getting that heartfelt inventory from us...we have several hundred boutiques donating, to be able to help them rebuild their businesses," said Rachal Messersmith, Cheekys Social Media Manager. "There are so many that are a complete loss."
And for this local business, on track to hit $10 million in annual revenue, the flooding in the south is somewhat personal. Two years ago, when the town's storm drains were backed up, the Cheekys boutique was waterlogged and valuable inventory was lost.
"The floor was buckled like two or three feet high and so, without the support of the community, [Cheekys] probably wouldn't be here today," Messersmith said.
Cheekys Brand is also lending a hand to local businesses in Montana who have been hit hard during this year's fire season.
Proceeds from Cheekys summer concert, "New Plymouth Nights," on Saturday, Sept. 23 -- featuring Stoney LaRue -- will go toward the rural fire department.
