Southlake is stronger together. That’s one of many points Ame Beanland wants to get across with her #DragonStrong fundraiser. The owner behind the gift store Ame B Design, Ame has called Southlake her home for the past 15 years. Like many other businesses recently impacted by the coronavirus, Ame had to close her shop just for the sake of the community.
“My business is not essential,” Ame says. “We are in unprecedented times right now, and we don’t know what we’re going to need on the other side.”
Just because Ame B Design’s doors are closed doesn’t mean Ame isn’t doing any printing or designing on the other side. For one thing, she’s still selling many of her unique Dragon products on Etsy, including hair bows, scrunchies, playing cards and even corn hole sets.
She’s also started a #DragonStrong fundraiser to sells Dragon signs that benefit Carroll ISD. Every sign purchased will donate $15 to the district’s Resiliency Project fund, which supports mental health initiatives that benefit CISD students and staff.
“Doing something for the Dragons is always at the front of my mind, just by being part of the Dragon family,” Ame expresses. “I just saw a great opportunity to celebrate our community and give back to Carroll.”
Ame says it’s her goal to produce 1,000 signs, giving a total of $15,000 to the fund. She says that the fundraiser keeps her “buzzing with purpose” through this uncertain time.
“My hope is that it enriches the district, builds morale and gives us solidarity as a community,” she says. “We are going to get through this together. I think taking care of each other is what really differentiates Southlake from other communities. We’re stronger together.”
If you would like to support the initiative, go online at AmeBDesign.com and purchase a sign for $25. Volunteers will deliver it to your home at a safe distance. Ame also recommends that customers “share the strength” by posting their signs on social media with the hashtag #DragonStrong.