TAMPA, Fla. — A local nonprofit that provides free books to children across the county is getting a boost from an Ybor City bar.
The Bricks Restaurant and Bar is hosting its first Art Walk on The West End in Ybor City to help raise money for Bess the Book Bus.
Bricks owner Joshua Pardue said they wanted to give back to the community, so they put together this event that will feature vendors, artists and offer up their food and cocktails.
“Whenever there’s an opportunity where you can have business and nonprofits work together, that builds community and that’s just who we are as a business,” Pardue said.
Bess the Book Bus owner Jennifer Francis says they’ve been rolling along for more than two decades, putting books in the hands of children. And this fundraiser will only help add to those efforts.
“I think of it more as a community effort than that, and this is a well-known over the years and respected restaurant in the community as well,” Frances said.
“Think back to when you were a kid and you had book fairs come to your school and you had the excitement of having a book fair come and decide which book I’m gonna pick. And we do that, but we do it in vulnerable schools for free.”
The community market, Art on The West End, is this Thursday at The Bricks located at 1327 East 7th Ave. in Tampa. It kicks off at 5 p.m and runs until 8 p.m.
Learn more about the event by clicking here.