We Gave Back to Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
As an essential business in Harford County Maryland, we felt that we could not just sit back while our local small business community suffered. That is why we created the Small Business Recognition Program, an initiative where our solar clients could nominate a small business of their choice to receive a $1,000 donation from American Sentry Solar. From the program’s inception in early May through December 31st, 2020, we had over 170 small businesses nominated, and each one received a $1,000 check to help them come back from this crisis.
Check Out Our Small Business Recognition Program Recipients!
Hereford Bed & Biscuit – Hereford, MD
Tom at the Hereford Bed & Biscuit was our first recipient of our Small Business Recognition Program! Tom and his team were nominated by Pastor Fred and Debbie, two homeowners who had recently gone solar with us. Pastor Fred said that the Hereford Bed & Biscuit always took great care of their dog, Lola, and he couldn’t think of a more deserving business for the $1,000 donation!
El Pilar Restaurant – Pasadena, MD
El Pilar is a family-owned, authentic Mexican restaurant in Pasadena, Maryland, and their food is exceptional! This business has become a staple for Isaac and Michelle, two homeowners who recently moved to the area, so when they had the chance to nominate someone for our SBRP program the answer was clear! Eva, Pedro, and their family were extremely grateful for the donation, especially after enduring months of uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis. The reveal was such a touching moment, and we’re glad to have caught it on camera!
Greene’s Family Butcher Shop – Kingsville, MD
Greene’s Family Butcher Shop is a staple for the Kingsville, MD community. Homeowners Mike and Nicole are regular customers at Greene’s Family Butcher Shop, and they saw firsthand all the good the owner John has done for the community. During the Stay-At-Home order John lowered his prices his customers, and he even donated goods in order to raise funds for local schools. Mike and Nicole felt that John’s business was more than deserving of this donation, and we have to agree!
Garrison Deli – New Castle, DE
Ricky, the owner of Garrison Deli in New Castle, was nominated for our $1,000 Small Business Recognition Program donation by homeowner Amrish! Amrish told us that while Garrison Deli just opened last year, it quickly became a favorite of his. Amrish decided to nominate Garrison Deli in order to support them during this difficult time, and business owner Ricky was more than grateful for this $1,000 donation!
Annie Mae’s Cafe – Capitol Heights, MD
For homeowner Shelley, Annie Mae’s Café has always served more than Authentic Mississippi Cuisine. They provided her with memories of her mother and grandmother, who showed their love through cooking, just like Mr. Anderson of Annie Mae’s Café strives to do everyday. Mr. Anderson was incredibly appreciative of this award, as he is in the process of transitioning his business from a food truck to a brick and mortar café! We could not think of a business owner more deserving, and we hope this $1,000 donation will aid him in his endeavors!
New Elizabeth AME Church – Newark, DE
Tropical Storm Isaiah couldn’t stop our Small Business Recognition Program from giving back to a deserving establishment! Reverend Karen Washington of the New Elizabeth AME Church in Newark was incredibly grateful for the $1,000 Small Business Donation from American Sentry Solar. This donation will help the church continue to adapt to the pandemic, as well as aid their efforts with their Sparrow Run Food Drive!
Representing Women of Figure Fitness – District Heights, MD
Not only was Michelle surprised by the $1,000 donation made by American Sentry Solar on behalf of homeowner Tanya; she was also surprised by 8 of her loyal clients, who came out to support their favorite fitness instructor! Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Michelle never lost her enthusiasm, and did whatever she could to keep offering classes for her clients. She empowers her clients each day, and it was heartwarming to see them support her back!
Bel Air Discount Mattress – Bel Air, MD
Bel Air Discount Mattress was nominated by homeowner Aeriella, who recently went solar with us! She told us that Russell gave her a great price on a mattress when money was tight, and she wanted to use our Small Business Recognition Program to pay his kindness back. We were more than happy to donate on Aeriella’s behalf, and we hope this donation will help Russell and his business navigate these difficult times!
Bel Air Games – Bel Air, MD
Michael of Bel Air Games was nominated by homeowners Logan and Idaly, who are frequent customers of Bel Air Games. While Logan could not attend the presentation, he gave a heartwarming quote about what Bel Air Games has meant to him, and his words now reside on a certificate hanging right near Bel Air Games’ front door. Idaly was able to personally present Michael with the $1,000 check, and Michael warmly expressed how touched he was by the recognition.
Gorillaz Fitness – Forest Hill, MD
Jen and her gym has made an impact on homeowner Stacy, who recently went solar with us! Stacy commended Jen on her dedication not only to her clients’ fitness, but their safety. In order to keep her “fitfam” safe, Jen moved all of her classes outside, and enacted protocols such as social distancing, taking her clients’ temperature and providing hand sanitizer. Jen was genuinely surprised and appreciative to have been selected for this recognition, and we are happy to help such a deserving business!
Captain Blue Hen Comics – Newark, DE
Not all heroes wear capes. Some own comic book stores, and give back to their community in “super” ways! This is statement holds true for Joe Murray, the owner of Captain Blue Hen Comics in Newark, Delaware! Joe and his wife have owned Captain Blue Hen Comics for the past 18 years and have made their business a fun and engaging space for the local community. Homeowners Joni and Brian, who recently went solar with us, did not hesitate to nominate Joe’s business from our Small Business Recognition Program, and they had a multitude of reasons for doing so!
Molas Restaurant – Edgewood, MD
When we approached Stuart and asked “who would you like to nominate to receive a $1,000 small business donation?”, he didn’t hesitate to nominate Yvette. In Stuart’s own words, “I chose Molas because this business represents what I believe to be an example of hard work and perseverance. Ms Yvette emulates consistency and dedication as much as American Sentry Solar.” Yvette was understandably touched by Stuart’s generosity, and we are happy to help such a deserving business navigate these difficult times!
Miller’s Farm Market – White Hall, MD
Homeowners Chris and Christine were quick to nominate Miller’s Farm Market of White Hall, MD for our Small Business Recognition Program, with good reason! Not only is Miller’s Farm Market a part of the local farming community, providing quality farm-raised beef and pork to their customers, but they also give back by plowing snow for Chris and Christine’s church so they can hold services in the winter! We were honored to be able to present business owner Jake with the $1,000 check, and we hope it helps them navigate these uncertain times!
Stephanie’s Sweets – Bel Air, MD
Stephanie of Stephanie’s Sweets has been running her store on Tollgate Rd for 20 years, and has touched a lot of hearts over the years. Homeowners Jamie & Eric are two of her loyal customers, and when we asked who they’d like to nominate for our Small Business Recognition Program, they didn’t hesitate to say “Stephanie’s Sweets!” Stephanie was overjoyed to be the recipient of this $1,000 donation, and we hope it helps to negate the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freedom Fitness – Eldersburg, MD
Business owner Tracy had mere hours to act on March 16th when the Governor announced that all gyms had to close their doors at 5pm that day. Her team swiftly got to work handing out equipment to their clients and transitioning all of their classes online so people like Judy, the homeowner who nominated Freedom Fitness, could have a physical outlet during the pandemic. We hope this $1,000 donation made on behalf of Judy will help Freedom Fitness during this unprecedented time, and we hope they will be able to have full size classes again soon!
Good Doggie Day Care – Baltimore, MD
Good Doggie Day Care was nominated by homeowners Scott and Summer, who recently went solar with American Sentry Solar. Scott and Summer have been taking their dogs to Good Doggie Day Care for years, and wanted to use the Small Business Recognition Program to thank Joanne and her staff for the great care they provide for their pets. Joanne was incredibly grateful for the donation, and we hope this will help combat the negative impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic!
Inverness Brewing – Monkton, MD
When homeowners Jennifer and Rick moved to the Monkton area from London, they found themselves in the middle of a pandemic with not many places to go. Then they found Inverness Brewing, and the establishment quickly became their favorite hang out spot! They saw the trials the pandemic brought to Inverness Brewing, and they wanted to use American Sentry Solar’s Small Business Recognition Program to give back to the business that had become their escape. Business owner Ray was honored at the recognition, and told us that he plans to pay the homeowner’s generosity forward by donating the $1,000 to a charity benefiting veterans!
Newberry Café & Bakery – Bel Air, MD
Nichol of Newberry Café & Bakery in Bel Air, MD is the most recent recipient of American Sentry Solar’s Small Business Recognition Program, and her business was nominated by a homeowner who recently went solar with us! The homeowner (who chose to remain anonymous) wanted to recognize Newberry Café & Bakery for staying open and following the necessary precautions during the pandemic. Nichol truly appreciated the recognition, and plans to use some of the $1,000 to support a local charity! Newberry Café & Bakery is a small business as sweet as their treats!