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Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands event returns this Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, and you’re invited! 

If you’re unfamiliar with Show of Hands, it’s a community-supported crowdfunding event that awards more than $4,000 to a local business. Think of it as a local version of the popular television show Shark Tank, where attendees are the “sharks” who donate $5 at the door in exchange for a ballot. After listening to four business owners make their pitch, the audience votes for their favorite presenter, and the person with the most votes takes home the prize money. 

In addition to money collected at the door, Show of Hands is supported by its corporate sponsor, Orrick, along with several “Friends of Show of Hands” contributors. These supporters include:

To date, Wheeling Heritage has awarded more than $105,000 to 28 businesses in Wheeling through Show of Hands. This time around, in honor of Black History Month, Show of Hands will feature a lineup of all Black-owned businesses in Wheeling. Get to know the latest round of Show of Hands contestants by checking out these videos produced by the Wheeling Heritage Media Team.

Vondel Bell, Visionary

Visionary
Vondel Bell is a Wheeling based artist and the owner of Visionary; an art-driven business that specializes in painting, mural work, graphic design, and clothing design.

Rica Dabney, Just Me & More Salon

Just Me & More Salon
Rica Dabney, owner of Just Me & More, opened her salon to help address the lack of specialized ethnic hair care services in the Ohio Valley.

Tarrika Jenkins, Little Blessings Childcare

Little Blessings Childcare
Tarrika Jenkins opened Little Blessings Childcare to help create more child care options for parents of the greater Wheeling area.

Daniel Pearson, Movers 4 You

Movers 4 You
Daniel Pearson is the owner/operator of Movers 4 You, a full service moving and packing company. With 15 years experience, Daniel Pearson has all the skills for your local and long distance moving needs.

READ MORE: Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Wheeling Area

Who will take home the top prize? Only you can decide! Join us on February 8 at the Wheeling Artisan Center (1400 Main Street, third floor) to cast your vote. Doors open at 6 p.m. and presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m. If you can’t attend in person, Wheeling Heritage will live-stream the event from its website and offer online voting for a short window of time during the event at wheelingheritage.org/vote.

Attendees casting their votes at Show of Hands.

In addition to the evening’s four presenters, local rap artist Isaiah “Keez” Alford will perform at 6 p.m. when doors open. Plus, for an additional $5 donation at the door, in-person attendees can sign up to make a 1-minute community announcement. This is a great opportunity for small businesses, organizations, and individuals to share important information about upcoming events and initiatives with a large crowd.

Learn more about Show of Hands by visiting wheelingheritage.org. 

• Alex Panas is the Program Manager for Wheeling Heritage, where she works with artists, small business owners, and community stakeholders to provide technical assistance and create meaningful programs that enhance Wheeling. She also serves as the managing editor for Weelunk. Alex lives in St. Clairsville with her husband where they raise four cats and four spunky backyard chickens.

• Wheeling Heritage Media creates a variety of multimedia experiences in order to tell Wheeling’s story, both past and present. Through videos, podcasts, photos, and more, they create content and provide digital access to help more people feel connected and engaged with this vibrant, growing community

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