Sometimes the most meaningful community impact happens when the right people, places, and purpose come together at just the right time. United Way of Greater Lorain County’s Small Business United program was created to do exactly that—strengthen our local economy while expanding our collective impact. Through this program, small businesses partner with United Way to help drive sales and awareness, while also creating an opportunity to give back at no cost to the business itself.
One such partner is The Wine Room and Tavern in Avon. As part of Small Business United, owner Michelle Allison created a specialty drink, The Frosty Way, with $1 from every drink sold donated directly back to United Way of Greater Lorain County. It’s a simple idea with powerful results—but the impact doesn’t stop there.
The connection continued when Emily Kinser, Workplace Campaign Manager for Avon Lake City Schools, reached out looking for a venue for her annual Christmas gathering. Instead of their usual location, our Volunteer and Donor Engagement Manager suggested The Wine Room and Tavern—an opportunity to support a Small Business United partner while enjoying a festive evening together. But wait, there’s more!
Emily and Michelle hosted more than 25 women at The Wine Room, where they gathered over drinks, conversation, and a shared commitment to giving back. This year, the group decided to do something different. Rather than their traditional ornament exchange, each woman brought a donation of period products to support United Way’s Change the Cycle program. Over 3700 pads and tampons were collected.
Change the Cycle works to end period poverty in Lorain County by ensuring access to essential menstrual products for those who need them most. The donations collected that evening will be distributed to libraries, food pantries, and partner agencies throughout the county—meeting people where they are and addressing a basic but often overlooked need.
From a small business partnership, to a specialty cocktail, to a holiday gathering that turned into meaningful action—this is what community collaboration looks like. Local businesses thrive. Neighbors come together. And lives are impacted in tangible ways.
It’s a reminder that when we intentionally support one another, even a single drink or a simple donation can help create lasting change. Cheers!