CINCINNATI (April 3, 2020) – Yesterday at noon, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), P&G and Empower launched the Cincy Card Connection program in an effort to alleviate some of the strain downtown Cincinnati businesses are facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three organizations pooled together $37,500 in funds to serve as a matching fund for gift cards purchased at local businesses, with the goal of doubling the money into $75,000 of direct cash infusion to Downtown businesses.

While the organizations were hopeful the program would prove successful, it fully exceeded their expectations. Less than 24 hours after the program’s initial launch, the funds have been depleted.

“Cincinnatians always come together in times of need, and the generosity they have shown to Downtown businesses through this program has been one more example of this community stepping up to support its own,” Steve Leeper, President and CEO of 3CDC said.

As all the current matching funds have been exhausted, matches on gift card purchases will be paused until the organizations are able to determine next steps for the program.

The organizations are actively working to raise additional funds to continue the program, and will share an update as soon as possible.

Individuals or companies interested in donating to the matching fund can visit www.donorbox.org/cincy-card-connection or contact Joe Rudemiller at 513-253-9088.