WILLIAMSBURG VICE MAYOR PONS, COUNCILMAN ZHANG & THE WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND TO CONFRONT COVID-19

Williamsburg, Virginia ‒ City of Williamsburg Vice Mayor Douglas G. “Doug” Pons and Councilman Benming “Benny” Zhang have personally pledged $10,000.00 to kick off the Community Emergency Response Fund, which was established by the Williamsburg Community Foundation to confront COVID-19 as the Greater Williamsburg community continues to grapple with the evolving challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Williamsburg Community Foundation agreed to waive all fees associated with administering this Fund for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The Fund is designed to be flexible and aims to provide resources to existing organizations helping to blunt COVID-19’s effects on the Greater Williamsburg area.

“As a lifelong Williamsburg resident, I have experienced many economic cycles - the good and the bad,” said Vice Mayor Pons. “What I’ve learned is that our community is at its best when we come together in difficult times. With the unprecedented impacts we’re seeing from COVID-19, I believe that now is the time that those who are able need to step up and do what we can to help those in most need. I encourage the members of the community who are able to contribute to this Fund.”

“I am heartened by folks who have reached out in these difficult times asking how they can help those affected the hardest by COVID-19, and I am thankful to those who are already taking action to find ways to serve our neighbors,” said Councilman Zhang. “We thank Nancy and the Williamsburg Community Foundation leadership for setting up this Fund.”

“Williamsburg is a caring and resilient community that has a strong history of working together on issues of common concern,” said Nancy Sullivan, Executive Director of the Williamsburg Community Foundation. “As a Community Foundation we have a role to play in bringing resources together to respond to emerging issues like this pandemic. Moving forward, our board, staff and community volunteers will work closely with local leaders in the public and private sector to ensure that these funds get to where they are needed most.”

Those who wish to contribute to the Community Emergency Response Fund may do so online at WilliamsburgCommunityFoundation.org, or by calling 757-259-1660. Contributions may be mailed to Williamsburg Community Foundation, 1323 Jamestown Road, Suite 103, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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