VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — When tragedy strikes, communities come together. The Virginia Beach mass shooting impacted people far and wide. Now several area businesses are doing their part to give back to the community.
It’s hard to miss the #VBStrong when you drive around the Municipal Center, it’s painted on almost every window or door of businesses.
Brian Blair has the hashtag on his restaurant too. He and his business partner Elijah Miller are co-owners of Brothers Pizza, just down the street from the Municipal Center.
“There’s a somber feeling in the community, we just gotta uplift and bring people up and support, show them that we care, and that we will be here for them,” Blair said. This tragedy has impacted them too.
“Ryan (Keith) Cox was a frequent customer of ours. I would say three times a week he came in and ordered a few slices and he was a super nice guy,” said Blair.
So for free, or for a small donation heading to the victims, they are giving out stickers that read #VBStrong.
Down the street at Sal’s Pizza, they’re giving back too
“Sal’s is trying to give free lunch to those first responders. Fire department, EMS, police, everything,” manager Anna Dronette said. She say without them, they might have lost more friends or customers they’ve come to love.
“Mary she was a regular and she’s actually a part of my church. Kate she was a regular. Sorry I’m getting a little emotional. Richard, Bobby too. Keith, Keith came in a lot. It’s just sad cause you work here and you get to know them and it’s not just giving them food,” Dronette said.
And starting Wednesday at four Haynes Furniture locations, you can pick up a blue T-shirt with #VBStrong on it. All those donations will go to the United Way Virginia Beach fund.
“It’s a core part of our mission to support and give back to our community,” said E.J. Strelitz, CEO of Haynes Furniture. “More importantly, Virginia Beach is our family’s home, and company’s headquarters. It’s where hundreds of our employees and their families live, as well.”
Brother’s Pizza will be giving out stickers at both of their locations on Great Neck Road and Seaboard Road.
Here are a few other businesses giving back:
– Kung Fu Tea will donate $1 for every cup and ticket sold.
Five Spice Kitchen-Sage Kitchen is providing free lunch and dinner to all city of Virginia Beach employees all week.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art will waive admission fees for the whole month of June.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is open for free through Friday, June 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for those seeking a place to heal.
