Four small business owners will each make a pitch at Wheeling Heritage’s next Show of Hands event scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, invites attendees to pay $5 to vote for the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The winning presenter will leave with about $4,000, including all the funds raised at the door, for his or her business expansion.
2024 marks an important milestone for this revered program, as Wheeling Heritage celebrates 10 years since the Show of Hands program was initiated. To date, Show of Hands has awarded more than $123,000 to support small businesses and projects in Wheeling.
At the event, owners of the following businesses will take the stage and make their pitch to the crowd:
Cameron Mitchell, Euphoric Doughnuts
Euphoric Doughnuts is a luxury doughnut shop whose mission is to provide customers with a culinary experience by blending the finest ingredients with creative flair to produce exquisite and unforgettable doughnuts. Owner Cameron Mitchell currently sells his doughnuts at pop-up events and select days at Table 304, but he is actively working towards opening a doughnut shop at 167 16th Street in East Wheeling. Funding from Show of Hands would go towards his ongoing building renovation, ensuring that Euphoric Doughnut’s grand opening is a spectacular event.
READ MORE: Is Wheeling Becoming a Donut Town?
Stephanie and Billy Litman, Hangover BBQ
For more than 5 years, Hangover BBQ has been a staple for those looking for delicious BBQ. In addition to perfectly-smoked meats, Hangover BBQ also offers an array of homemade side dishes and BBQ sauces, craft ice cream sandwiches, and WV-brewed kombucha. While owners Stephanie and Billy Litman have seen plenty of success through the years, their location on GC&P Road places them somewhat off the beaten path. Through Show of Hands, the Litmans hope to purchase new signage and pursue enhanced marketing opportunities for their business.
The Belgian Waffle Shop
Downtown Wheeling’s newest business takes an artisanal approach to a classic treat. Owner Tara Kobasko and her team create mouthwatering Belgian and bubble waffles topped with ice cream and a variety of sweet toppings. Shortly after opening her doors in September 2023, the block of Market Street in front of The Belgian Waffle Shop was closed for construction, making it difficult for customers to get to her shop. Through Show of Hands, Tara hopes to secure funding to invest in new commercial-grade waffle irons and marketing to help spread the word about her new business.
The Belgian Waffle Shop, located at 1209 Market Street, has struggled since opening its doors due to the ongoing construction in Downtown Wheeling.
The Process
The Process, located at 1600 National Rd., is a private practice that offers individual mental health services to the community. Owner and licensed therapist Heather Ryan opened her solo practice in 2017. Since then, The Process has grown to include a team of five therapists, an administrative and billing specialist, and two interns who will soon become full-time therapists. Her practice currently serves over 1,300 people in our community, and she hopes to expand services to help reach even more people in need. Through Show of Hands, Heather is seeking funding for a new SMART movement room and group therapy room. This expansion would allow The Process to offer adult-based group therapy, as well as provide services tailored to adolescents and teenagers – a commonly underserved population.
“We are so excited to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Show of Hands,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director at Wheeling Heritage. “This program has been transformative for so many local businesses. We owe a huge thank you to Orrick and our Friends of Show of Hands who have kept this program in operation for all these years.”
Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands program is generously funded by several community sponsors. Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 to 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 – Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru; Dr. & Mrs. Dan Joseph – Joseph Orthodontics; Brian Joseph, Touchstone Research Laboratory; Fuzz & Barb LaRue; H. Lawrence Jones & Sue Blevins; Kennen & Kennen Realtors; Warwood Armature; Rabbi Joshua Lief & Rebecca Lief; Sikora Montessori; Will and Tracey Turani; Bridgeway Capital; FXB; Steve & Jackie Johnston; and anonymous donors.
Learn more about Wheeling Heritage’s upcoming events and initiatives by visiting wheelingheritage.org.
