Macon Magazine

With COVID-19 and social distancing wreaking havoc on small businesses, Macon attorney Kathy McArthur found herself thinking someone should help. Well, who hasn't thought that? "But Kathy McArthur and Blake Sullivan teamed up and actually did something and that makes them heroes," said Deanna Green, who owns and operates Kay-Lynn Massage and Bodywork Studio with her sister Deidra Harris. "They made a way to help and gave others an outlet to help, too." What McArthur and Blake did was create the Macon 30 Day Fund, a means to accept donations for cash-crunched small businesses as quick relief in the form of forgivable loans up to $3,000. "We're working to help deeply stressed small businesses make it until they receive federal funds – and that can take time," said Sullivan, a local businessman and current mayoral candidate. "In the gap, rent is due, employees need paying and there are expenses like raw materials that have to be in place when you reopen. Being an entrepreneur, I'm used to difficult times and looking for solutions. The fund looked like a good solution." McArthur said the fund was designed to be quick and red-tape free. Loans aren't paid back unless recipients become able and want to pay forward Kathy McArthur and Blake Sullivan what they received. McArthur's law firm and Sullivan's businesses contributed first then they sought others. McArthur said as of mid- May, about $130,000 had been raised with the majority paid to 50-plus small businesses. Loans continue as funds are available. "As wonderful as helping is, it's sad seeing what more is needed," McArthur said. "We've gotten over 200 applications to date and would need over $600,000 to help everyone." Brad Evans co-owns and operates the Society Garden. Like others, he scrambled to apply for all manner of assistance not knowing what might come. "Having someone local helping right away during what's usually our busiest two months – well it's a huge relief and basically went to employees," he said. "I'm grateful but not surprised Macon people are doing this. Macon takes care of its own." Sisters Green and Harris said that while the money was crucial, receiving it meant more. "We were blown away to receive it and get to divide it between our employees," Green said. "But it meant more knowing we were seen and weren't alone. People voluntarily helped – that made it an emotional boost as well." —Michael W. Pannell HAARIS AHMED A rising senior at Stratford Academy, Haaris Ahmed enjoys hanging out with his friends as much as any teenager. But during the last few months, he's had other things on his mind. "I've been working to deliver food to people as part of the Mentor's Project, for those unable to get food during this time," he said. "I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going on social media and playing video games, but there's a responsibility I feel for helping our community. It's everyone's job to be part of the community." Delivering about a hundred meals a week, Mentor's Project director June O'Neal called Haaris "intelligent and kind" and said he's one of her best volunteers. "He is absolutely the kindest, hardworking young man. He always pitches in, comes in whenever I need him and he always has a smile on his face," O'Neal said. "He is passionate about children having food and has been busy delivering meals, picking up donations and whatever else I need him to do." Haaris first became involved with the Mentor's Project in ninth grade. "I've been working with them by tutoring and mentoring students in all school subjects, most especially math," he said. "I have a mentee named Carlos who I work with quite a bit, and I also work at a few schools tutoring students." It's rewarding, Haaris said, to help younger students succeed. "I enjoy being able to help, especially younger students, and also those in need with either school work or by getting them meals, taking them somewhere, really any way of helping," he said. Haaris also is active in a religious youth group that provides community service, hosts fundraisers and other means of volunteerism. "One of my passions is helping people," he said. "I feel like if you're able to help someone you should, regardless of if you know them." —Renee Corwine 6

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