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March 9, 2009
Give Aims to Make a Difference in American Outlook
TYBEE ISLAND, GA Businesses throughout the Tybee Island community dig deep April 17-
30, 2009 to provide discounts, goodies, events and more to visitors and day-trippers. At this
eclectic, artsy and unpretentious beach community just 20 minutes outside of Savannah, the
majority of businesses are small and independently owned. Tybee's Big Give is a collaboration
of businesses giving back during worst recession in modern times. Vacation home rentals,
motels, hotels, bike shops, charter boat captains, lighthouse tours, retail shops, boutiques and
even mom and pop restaurants are working together to give guests a time they won't soon
forget.
No doubt, Tybee's Big Give will be an endearing memory for many in the financial crunch of
2009. Few have gone untouched by the recession; so many Tybee entrepreneurs are making a
sacrifice to bring visitors to the island for their first time or for repeat vacationers. Sometimes a
change of scenery can make all the difference and Tybee wants to be the difference. This is
-nourished beach with 1.2 million
cubic yards of sand now in place and ready to enjoy. Tybee Island is the destination story for
spring break 2009; fun and affordable and only a short drive away. This event is the ultimate
one-tank trip in the making.
Island-wide participation in Big Give means discounts on lodging up to 50% off for
hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals ranging from lovingly restored vintage bungalows to palatial
homes by the sea to condos. Restaurant participation in Big Give includes gift cards,
free kids meals, 10% off meals and more. For the four-foot-and-under set: pirate rings, bubbles
and chalk for creating sidewalk art. Heading out to the open waters there is free bait, 25% off
charters and discounts on activities like parasailing from Lazaretto Creek, jet skis and fishing.
Tybee is often voted #1 for porch sitting by residents and visitors alike, but for those who want
to stay active there is free early-morning yoga on the strand, free YMCA aerobics and fitness
classes and free gym access. Also, fun free events such as a Guitar Hero Tournament will be
held at Tybee's new cyber cafe and arcade. Tybee's Big Give offers a little something for
everyone.
Tiny Tybee Island, a unique town full of true characters has decided to give back to their fellow
Americans in hopes they might be able to get away for a bit of R&R. "We think a break from bad
news, stress and worry is just what the doctor ordered and Tybee is the perfect place to do just
that," says Chairman Greg Stoeffler the of Tybee Island Tourism Council, a branch of The
Savannah Chamber of Commerce. "Our decision for most all of our businesses to unify in a
show of solidarity to give whatever we have to give during the last two weeks in April is one we
are proud of. It shows the heart of Tybee. Some businesses are barely hanging on, but they still
want to give, that is what will get us through these hard tim es. I am sure of it. I feel honored to
live and work with people that want to reach out and do something this uplifting and special."
Mayor Jason Buelterman, an avid surfer and lover of outdoor activities, resides on Tybee with
his wife and young daughter. "One of the reasons people love Tybee is because of the lack of
pretense," Buelterman explains. "Now more than ever they appreciate that flip-flops are as
dressy as it gets here on the island. We hope travelers will hang up their blue blazers of trips
gone by for a vacation to remember. Crossing the bridge from town is such a release into a new
laid back existence. This is something people need to experience. W e are doing all we can to
make it as affordable as possible. It's incredible what our community is offering and I have not
heard of anything like this before. We believe that people are re-evaluating priorities for all
aspects of their lives, including where they go for vacation. We want to convey that the down-to-
earth appeal of Tybee is essential in times like these. We have always been a great affordable
getaway, but now more than ever we hope people can come be a part of our Big Give. Even if
it's only for an afternoon on the beach and dinner with the family, that can be a great memory."
Please visit www.tybeesbiggive.com
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