This is our story of creating silver linings amidst a
crisis. As a family owned local small business (Yes! Gallery in Wickford,
Rhode Island) when COVID 19 hit, we were terrified for the future of not only
our own future but that of ALL small businesses. We also felt a LOT of
LOCAL LOVE from our Rhode Island community! Appreciation of each other,
awareness of the vulnerability of our community, and PRIDE of being a Rhode
Islander became stronger than ever. Out of fear, uncertainty &
compassion we set out on a mission to survive, help our neighbors &
celebrate the pride we ALL have of being LOCAL. Through a collaboration
with our friend & fellow local small business owner, Jake Fahrenholz of
Fresh Mode Screen Printing, we created “Rhode Island Local Love” - A high
quality line of custom screen printed and embroidered apparel for the entire
family to help benefit a local non-profit near and dear to our hearts… The
North Kingstown Food Pantry. Local designer Rob Dube took our concept of
incorporating the iconic Ocean State wave license plate and totally nailed the
graphics! Talk about Rhode Island pride and celebration of loving
local!! $5 from every tee or hat purchase and $10 from every hoodie
purchase from the original RI Local Love Wave collection is directly donated to
the NK Food Pantry. Our hope is to continue designing additional
collections of Local Love gear to raise funds for various other Rhode Island
based non-profit organizations. Rhode Island Local Love is our RI Monthly "BEST OF 2020" winning, home-grown
brand created for boasting Rhody pride while supporting community.