By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Scott and Karen Seeliger drank their martinis and ate their spinach dip for a cause Tuesday evening. They were among the crowd that filled SamB’s restaurant for the “Cash Mob” that descended on downtown Bowling Green – leaving money in cash registers and smiles on the faces of business owners
“I was just looking at all the people,” Karen Seeliger said of the customers filling up the restaurant.
Many were there for drinks and appetizers – but also to help out the downtown businesses suffering during the second summer of road construction that has made it difficult for customers to frequent the stores.
“I’ve been feeling sad for the downtown businesses,” Seeliger said. “We want to support the community. So it’s nice to give back.”
After leaving SamB’s the family planned on shopping at Eden Fashion Boutique and For Keeps, then grabbing dinner at Beckett’s.
“This is such an amazing community, and we support each other,” said the Seeliger’s daughter, Kori Atwood.
Sitting at the bar with a friend was Mandy Pasley, who decided to join in the “Cash Mob.”
“It seems like a good way to support the downtown,” she said.
Sitting at another table were two of the women behind the “Cash Mob” idea – Tracy Hovest and Kristen Strum.
“This is the busiest they have been – other than a Friday night,” Hovest said the SamB’s staff told her.
The idea took root when Strum saw a tweet from Bowling Green resident Kate Kamphuis, suggesting that local residents take a walk downtown, shop at the stores, and eat at the restaurants. Hovest took it a step further and suggested a “Cash Mob.”
“It’s like a flash mob – but there’s no dancing,” she said.
The idea spread faster than a two-for-one sale.
“We thought it was going to be a group of moms, going to dinner, getting appetizers and doing a little shopping,” Hovest said.
Hovest shared the credit will all the customers filling up tables, booths and the bar at SamB’s.
“This is the power of ‘we’ in BG,” she said of the effort to boost business in the downtown. “We are all making a difference in Bowling Green. This is the least we can do for them.”
From SamB’s, Hovest was planning to hit Eden Fashion Boutique and Mode Elle Boutique for shopping, Beckett’s for dinner, and Cookie Jar for dessert.
She is hoping Tuesday’s “Cash Mob” is just the beginning.
“Maybe this will lead to another one,” Hovest said. “We need to have more than one.”
Across the street at Eden Fashion Boutique, owner Kati Thompson had a sign outside stating “Welcome cash mobbers – You are awesome.”
At the cash register was customer Sharon Pahl, who was purchasing earrings.
“I just want to support the downtown businesses,” Pahl said. “I appreciate their persistence.”
Next Pahl was headed to Coyote Beads, Ben Franklin, then Stone’s Throw for dinner.
Looking through the racks of clothing at Eden Fashion Boutique were Amy Strata and Kara Maxey.
“I just thought it was a cool concept. A cool way to get people downtown,” Maxey said of the “Cash Mob.”
“I’ve never been to some of these shops,” but now that she has, she intends to return, Maxey said.
Strata, who is co-owner of Beckett’s Burger Bar, was shopping at Eden before the “Cash Mob” made it to the restaurant for the weekly taco night.
“I’m so excited the community is coming together for the businesses,” Strata said.
Like other downtown establishments, Beckett’s has seen a drop in business during the last two summers of construction – first for installation of new gas lines, then water and sewer lines, and now road work.
“We’ve definitely seen a marked decrease,” Strata said, adding that she realizes the construction is necessary. “It’s understandable, but it’s still hard.”
Customers and store owners were excited that earlier in the day on Tuesday, city officials announced that a moratorium on paid parking will be in place until the end of the year.
“That’s encouraging as well,” Strata said.
Thompson said she had noticed people trickling in all day for the “Cash Mob” event.
“This is incredible,” she said. “We’re appreciative. It’s kind of cool how it’s gone viral.”
Thompson said she in turn planned to “spread the wealth,” by doing some shopping of her own at For Keeps, and dining out at Naslada Tuesday evening.
Over on East Court Street, the Cookie Jar staff was preparing for the “Cash Mob” to hit their shop. They had baked extra cookies, plus were building several massive ice cream sandwiches – expecting those to be a hit in the hot weather.
Joey Davis, general manager at the Cookie Jar, said the shop has been hurt by the construction. “This year is by far a lot worse.”
The “Cash Mob” effort has helped restore her faith in the community.
“Absolutely, I’m from Bowling Green myself,” Davis said as she put a mound of ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. “It’s pretty cool.”
