Interview with Bluepoint Hospitality

EEDC recently sat down with Julia Foxwell, Director of Community Engagement, and Allie McGuckian, Director of Marketing & Public Relations. We spoke about Bluepoint Hospitality’s recently launched First Responders Program, which will provide $100 “Downtown Easton” gift cards to nearly 500 first responders as a way to thank them for their selfless courage, while at the same time, helping to boost the local economy.

 

EEDC: How was the decision made to use the Downtown Easton gift card?

 

Allie McGuckian (AM): We thought long and hard about what might be the most appropriate and well-received gesture. We considered gift certificates to grocery stores, even Amazon cards – something to help with the day-to-day basics. Then it occurred to us that a “Downtown Easton” card would be a great way for our local first responders to treat themselves to something special, while also directly supporting the small business community of Easton. Once we realized the positive local impact that this type of program could have, it was settled.

 

Julia Foxwell (JF): It was very important to Mr. And Mrs. Prager that the program be perceived for what it truly is – a symbol of gratitude –  and not simply a Bluepoint marketing effort. The  Downtown Easton card can be used at over 45 participating small businesses, including restaurants, galleries, and shops.  As an added incentive, and nod to our dedicated Bluepoint staff, we’re offering an additional 10% discount if the gift card is used at any Bluepoint establishment.

 

EEDC: It’s great that downtown businesses will be involved in this program.

 

AM: Julia and EEDC plan to go from business to business this week to ensure that anyone who has not already signed up for the program has the opportunity to do so and share in the benefits.  It would be fantastic to see our neighboring businesses also offer additional incentives – like we’re doing at Bluepoint – to encourage first responders and their families to enjoy all that downtown Easton has to offer.

 

Ultimately, we would like to see this program become an annual tradition in recognition of our emergency response teams.  The more businesses that participate, the better!

 

EEDC: How will these cards be distributed?

 

JF:  In designing the program, Mr. Prager wanted to accompany the cards with a physical gesture, so they will be given to the respective department heads, who will personally distribute the cards among their team. The First Responder Program acknowledges Talbot County’s heroes in the sheriff, police, and fire departments, Maryland State Police-Easton Barracks, and EMS workers and dispatchers throughout Easton, St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, Cordova, Trappe, and Oxford communities.

 

EEDC: There is a large philanthropic component to the Bluepoint Hospitality Group. Do you want to talk about that?

 

JF: Yes, we have many philanthropic programs, both large and small, that support our local community. This past weekend we contributed to the Rotary Club’s annual Memorial Day ‘Flags for Heroes’ program, as well as to Easton’s Blake-Blackston American Legion Post 77 for a major renovation of their facilities. We are also the lead sponsor of this year’s Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, which will provide children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge a $20 voucher for a book of their choice.

 

Bluepoint recently helped facilitate a mentorship program in the Talbot Public School System, which is modeled after a one-week summer STEM camp but designed specifically for students who have underperformed as a result of the pandemic.

 

Back in March, we gave $25 gift certificate to every graduating senior at Easton High School, St. Michael’s High School, and Saints Peter and Paul High School to use at any Bluepoint venue. It was our way of saying, ‘Congratulations; this year’s been tough, and you should be proud to have  overcome extraordinary challenges during your senior year.’  That’s not all: a $10 donation will also be made in each student’s name to the applicable YMCA. The Pragers added this gesture to instill in the graduating seniors the importance and joy of giving.  The YMCA is a impactful part of most childhoods and a wonderful place to give back.

Share:

Posted in