Heart on Main Street completes Independent Rebuild Project, awards grant

Heart on Main Street successfully completed its latest Independent Rebuild Project last week in Asheville, North Carolina, supporting Bette’s Boutique as the business continues its journey back home to Biltmore Village following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. During the one-day volunteer project, volunteers focused on landscaping and exterior cleanup efforts designed to help prepare the property for its eventual reopening. While ongoing construction delays prevented the full move-in process from taking place as originally planned, the project still represented an important step forward in Bette’s Boutique’s rebuilding journey. In addition to the hands-on volunteer work, Heart on Main Street also presented Bette’s Boutique with $5,000 in financial assistance and product donations to support continued recovery efforts. The Independent Rebuild Project is part of Heart on Main Street’s ongoing mission to support independent retailers impacted by natural disasters by providing hands-on assistance, resources, and financial support to help businesses rebuild stronger. “This project was about showing up for an independent retailer during a difficult chapter,” said Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street. “Even with unexpected delays, our volunteers were able to make a meaningful impact and remind Bette’s Boutique that this industry stands beside them as they continue rebuilding.” Heart on Main Street would like to extend special thanks to DEMDACO, The Link Companies, The Home Depot Foundation, and Penske Truck Rental for their generous support of the project. The Home Depot Foundation provided grant support for the rebuild effort, while local Home Depot volunteers participated on-site during the landscaping project. Penske Truck Rental donated a truck to assist with transportation needs throughout the rebuild. Heart on Main Street’s Independent Rebuild Projects bring together volunteers, partners, and local communities to provide physical rebuilding assistance and financial support to independent retailers across the country. To learn more about Heart on Main Street or support future rebuild projects, visit Heart on Main Street’s website.

Heart on Main Street awards grant to Webster’s Community Pharmacy following California wildfires

Heart on Main Street awarded a $5,000 disaster relief grant to Webster’s Community Pharmacy, a cornerstone of the Altadena community that was impacted by the January 2025 California wildfires.  The grant was presented as Webster’s Community Pharmacy prepares to celebrate a major milestone: its 100th anniversary. The funding will support ongoing rebuilding efforts and help ensure the pharmacy can continue serving the community it has supported for generations.  This grant was made possible in part through a connection with DM Merchandising, whose partnership helped identify Webster’s Community Pharmacy as a business in need of support. Through industry relationships like this, Heart on Main Street can reach independent retailers who might otherwise go unnoticed during recovery efforts.  For a century, Webster’s Community Pharmacy has been more than a place to fill prescriptions. It has served as a trusted gathering place, a resource, and a steady presence for local residents. Like many independent retailers, the pharmacy faced significant challenges following the wildfires, navigating physical damage and operational disruption while working to restore normalcy for its customers.  “Independent retailers like Webster’s Community Pharmacy are the backbone of their communities,” said Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street. “Reaching 100 years is an incredible achievement on its own. Doing so while rebuilding after a natural disaster speaks to the resilience and importance of this business. We are proud to support their continued recovery.”  Heart on Main Street is dedicated to helping independent retailers recover, rebuild, and thrive through financial support, education, and hands-on initiatives. Disaster relief grants are a key part of that mission, providing critical funding to businesses impacted by natural disasters.  The donation to Webster’s Community Pharmacy reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses in times of need and helping preserve the local institutions that communities rely on every day.  As Webster’s Community Pharmacy celebrates its centennial, the support from Heart on Main Street and its partners will help ensure it remains a vital part of Altadena for years to come.