You can now make a tax-deductible donation to fund The Tribune’s coronavirus coverage
Across San Luis Obispo County, businesses large and small have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
We have shared many of those stories of adaptation and perseverance in the face of debilitating challenges, while sharing ways you can support your neighbors.
As you know, The Tribune has also been impacted. Your support through subscriptions has helped sustain us, and we thank you for that.
As we navigate the COVID-19 health crisis, we are finding innovative ways to support our journalism mission.
Last week, we launched a new campaign, and I’d like to share an update.
To sustain our COVID-19 coverage, we have created a program for readers to support us via tax-deductible donations.
This campaign has only been open a week, but we’ve already raised more than $13,000 from everyday people who value the role independent journalists play in our democracy as a whole and in our communities specifically.
We are aiming to raise $42,000 through this effort, and already, the response has been nothing less than amazing.
Donors have given anywhere from $25 to $3,000, with many offering a level of vocal public support that that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Here are just a few of the comments we’ve received so far:
“I grew up with your newspaper and continue to subscribe to it as a grandparent. Keep up the good work. I appreciate all that you do for all of us during this pandemic,” said Merlene Olivia Doko.
“We love our local media! THANK YOU for all you do!” said Andy Pease and Frank Basich.
“If we lose our Journalists we will lose our democracy. Journalists shine a light into the darkness and expose facts. Carry on,” Sheree Brekke said.
“Keep up the good work SLO Tribune ... we all rely on you,” said Mona and Gordon Jennings.
That last comment is particular fitting, because as much as you depend on us, we truly depend on you.
This effort is a partnership between The Tribune and the Local Media Association — a nationwide nonprofit that’s helping news organizations develop sustainable business models — to run a fundraising drive whose contributions exclusively go to our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic on the Central Coast.
Any donation helps, and every dollar goes directly to our newsroom, which in turn comes back to you in the form of essential journalism that will keep you and your family safe.
Can you help us? It’s easy.
Just go to givebutter.com/sanluisobispo.
If you prefer, GiveButter also takes checks. Just reach out to me at jtarica@thetribunenews.com or 805-781-7911 and I can help with that process.
If you’ve already donated, let me tell you how much we appreciate your support. Please consider sharing this with others, from your friends on Facebook to coworkers to members of social groups like Rotary and Kiwanis.
Once again, from all of us here at The Tribune, sincerely, thank you.
Joe Tarica, editor
Local news has never been more important. If you value our work, consider a digital subscription. It’s just $0.99 a month for the first 2 months.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
