More than 30 Ballard area businesses are putting a generous spin on Black Friday shopping by participating in Ballard Gives Back on November 23, 2018.  Ballard Gives Back is a program created by local merchants to encourage socially-conscience holiday shopping in Ballard by donating a portion of their proceeds to a selected charity.

The event began in 2013 and continues to grow each year as more businesses flock to Ballard’s bustling shopping and dining district.

“In addition to the ‘giving’ portion of the post-Thanksgiving weekend, the Ballard merchant community is promoting a message to shop local and shop small. When small businesses thrive, communities thrive. When people support their local merchants and small businesses, more of their money stays in the community,” said Legh Burns, co-owner of re-souL.

“’Shop local’ is not just a catch phrase, it’s a powerful tool by which communities can connect, prosper and empower others. Seattle has a strong, independent mindset and there is no better example than the businesses of Ballard coming together to spread the message,” said Burns.

Many of the businesses are extending this event throughout the holiday weekend. For a complete list of participating business and their charities of choice for 2018 go to: www.visitballard.com/ballardgives.