Continuing to Build Momentum for the Downtown Revitalization
The East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) is bringing back its Brighten Our Future Fundraising Campaign for a second year, continuing a tradition that is already making a visible impact downtown.
Launched in 2024, the campaign raised $161,500 in its first year – funds that were used to purchase the former drivethrough lot on North Market Street, a site now slated to become a future community plaza and retail space. This year’s effort will carry that momentum forward, with the results announced on December 6 during the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Snowflake Festival.
The new plaza is envisioned as more than just an attractive gathering spot. Plans call for it to become a hub for events, performances and everyday community activity, paired with retail space that will generate revenue to support future revitalization efforts. This project represents an important next step in the long-term vision for a vibrant, thriving downtown.
To make this vision a reality, EPCIC is once again reaching out to businesses and community partners to participate as campaign sponsors. Sponsorships are available at several levels –Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Supporter – each offering meaningful marketing opportunities, from social media promotion and signage to visibility on the village website, in newsletters and during Snowflake Festival activities. Thousands of residents and visitors are expected to attend the December event, making it a strong platform for community engagement and business visibility.
Contributions can be made online at epohio.org/fundraising/give or by mailing a check payable to East Palestine CIC, attention Chris Page, EPCIC Board President, at 50 N. Sumner St., East Palestine, OH 44413.
The Brighten Our Future campaign is more than a fundraiser – it’s a community-wide effort to turn plans into places and momentum into meaningful change. With continued support, East Palestine is not just rebuilding; it’s growing stronger and looking ahead.