Better Together Russell, a fundraising campaign for local businesses, kicked off on May 1 in Russell, KS. The campaign has raised over $3,000 for local businesses. The first round was completed on May 17.

Better Together Russell is a fundraiser for all local businesses currently dealing with hardships related to COVID-19, oil, agriculture, and the economy in general. Local businesses are invited to participate in the fundraiser with 38 businesses currently participating.

The fundraiser consists of a locally designed custom tee. The tee is available for consumers to purchase for 20 dollars. When the consumer makes a purchase they are able to select one local business to receive a 10 dollar donation.

The Better Together Russell tee design was inspired by the Cecil Bricker Park Mural in Downtown Russell. The mural and the tee display scenes from historic Russell dating from 1871 to present. Rick Rupp, the mural artist, allowed for the design to be recreated to the Better Together Russell tee.

Getting Noticed, local graphic design and screen printing business, designed the tee and organized the Better Together fundraising campaign. 

“The idea comes from a different campaign that other screen printing businesses were doing around the United States. I really liked the concept but wanted to dial in more locally. Like all other small businesses my businesses has also been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. I figured this was a way we could all keep afloat during these unknown times,” Joni Driscoll, Getting Noticed owner, said.