A hotdog restaurant hoping to fund its move from the FairOaks Mall to downtown Columbus with an online crowdfunding campaign is using a fair booth to generate donations.
Special Dogs & More launched its $50,000 online fundraising campaign June 16 to raise the money to relocate from the mall to the former Eagles Club at 217 Washington St., across from the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
About $17,000 has been raised — including $4,000 this past week at the fair — and more work is ahead in the remaining few weeks to meet an Aug. 2 deadline, said Randy Lapidus, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Robin. The restaurant has been operating at the mall since October.
The couple is using a booth in Building 3 at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair as a way to promote the business and its fundraising efforts.
“The crowdfunding campaign takes you through a rollercoaster ride,” Randy Lapidus said.
Although the restaurant is currently behind in meeting its goal, Randy Lapidus said his overall confidence level remains high.
“We are not stopping. We are going to make sure this happens,” Lapidus said
Among the contributors helping the restaurant is Columbus native and former NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, who donated $5,000 to the cause.
“The support is definitely there, there’s no doubt,” he said.
A chart showing a fundraising goal is updated daily at the booth, while visitors also have the opportunity to name the mascot of Special Dogs & More with the winning entry receiving a $10 gift card to the restaurant.
The couple got the idea to open the business after their daughter, Rachel, went into cardiac arrest and underwent treatment at a rehabilitation center in Indianapolis. The focus of the business has been helping to employ individuals with emotional and intellectual disabilities, Lapidus said.
“This is a whole big story that started in 2011 that led up to Special Dog & More today,” he said. “Those that know what Special Dogs & More is want to know more.”
However, a decrease in visitors at the mall with the April 29 loss of anchor store Carson’s is one reason behind the potential move.
The restaurant’s goal is to give people with special needs an opportunity to work and develop skills, Lapidus said.
“We feel very positive about this campaign,” Lapidus said. “Look at what we’re doing in the community. This has always been about people.”
No other public events are planned, although the couple anticipates getting the word out about the campaign through upcoming radio broadcasts.
“We’re just asking for a little more help,” Randy Lapidus said. “We just can’t thank everybody enough for all the support we’ve received.”
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To donate money toward the crowdfunding campaign for Special Dogs & More, visit fundable.com/special-dogs-more.
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