If you have an idea for a new business, a business expansion, or a project that will impact Wheeling, you are encouraged to apply for Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands. The winner will leave the event with more than $4,000 to put towards his or her idea.
The next Show of Hands event is scheduled for June 29 at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Artisan Center, located at 1400 Main Street in Wheeling. Attendees pay $5 at the door, which is added to the winner’s prize.
Applications for the next Show of Hands are due Sunday, May 29 and can be completed online at wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands. A committee will review applications, and four will be chosen to move on to the presentation round.
At the event, four presenters explain their ideas to community members in attendance. Attendees pay $5 at the door, which is added to the winner’s prize. Attendees then vote on their favorite, and the presenter who receives the most votes receives $4,000, plus door donations, to put towards the project. To date, Show of Hands has given more than $93,000 to 26 projects.
The latest Show of Hands winner, DeSean James, took home $4,470 to expand his landscaping businesses by purchasing additional equipment. The Wheeling Heritage Media Team interviewed DeSean moments after his big win and stated how impactful events like Show of Hands can have on local businesses. You can watch his full interview in the video below:
READ MORE: Local Landscaper Wins Show of Hands, Here’s What He Had To Say
Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, contribute $250 to each event. Friends of Show of Hands include Dave & Beth Weaver of Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru, Dr. and Mrs. Dan Joseph of Joseph Orthodontics, Brian Joseph of Touchstone Research Laboratory, Fuzz and Barb LaRue, H Lawrence Jones, Ed.D., Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Warwood Armature, Rabbi Joshua Lief and Rebecca Lief, Sikora Montessori, and Will and Tracey Turani.
Those interested in applying for the next Show of Hands are encouraged to visit wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.
