Downtown Residents Council Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Unveils Member Discount Card
Members of the Downtown Residents Council (DRC) won't want to leave home without it - the Downtown Residents Card.
To be introduced on June 10 at the DRC's 20th Anniversary Celebration, the card entitles DRC members to discounts at supporting organizations located in the central business district and Over-the-Rhine. Approximately 35 eateries, museums and entertainment venues have initially signed-on to honor it, said Casey Gilmore, DRC membership committee chair.
Among them is Bella Cincinnati, which takes 10 percent off cardholders' food and beverage tab. The contemporary-designed restaurant, located at the corner of Sixth and Walnut streets, recently added a Sunday "jazz brunch" to the menu and will co-sponsor Rockin' on Walnut with the DRC on Friday evenings this summer.
"We are very excited about the discount card for downtowners," said Craig Cracchiolo, manager at Bella. "Cincinnati is a very special and unique city, and this is an exciting time to be living in and around downtown."
Gilmore, who led recruitment efforts for the card, agrees, calling the initiative an important accomplishment for the DRC. Long an advocate for downtown residents and businesses, the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary this year amid a housing revitalization that is bringing hundreds of new residents to the city center.
On Friday, June 10, Mr. Pitiful's, located at 1323 Main Street, plays host to the DRC 20th Anniversary and DRC card launch. The celebration is 5 to 9 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
"The idea is to promote what's available here and encourage a stronger sense of community between residents and the businesses and organizations that also call downtown home," Gilmore said. "So many of the DRC members live and work here. It only makes sense that they play downtown, too, instead of heading out to the suburbs."
Downtown Residents Card promotions typically entail a discount or special pricing, but Gilmore said sponsors are free to create their own incentive. A museum, for example, might offer a reduced membership fee or a two-for-one admission, while a restaurant may want to provide a free entre or dessert with an equivalent purchase.
The DRC offers the Downtown Residents Card as a member benefit. Annual memberships in the organization cost $15 for individuals and $20 for households. Corporate memberships are available for $50.
More information about the DRC and the Downtown Residents Card is available online at: www.ilivedowntown.com.