A Bismarck real estate agent and his family have come up with a way to support local restaurants during the pandemic.
Restaurants are closed for inside dining. They are allowed to offer take-out services.
Cam Knutson said he’s been at home, watching the news about the virus – and wondering if there was a way he could help. Then he received a call from a friend.
"That friend happened to be the former mayor of Bismarck, Mike Seminary," Knutson said. "Mike had called to say, 'How do we get industry to step up and help?'
So, Knutson said he got together with some other developers, to brainstorm. That’s when the idea of gift cards for restaurants came up.
"It was a way for us to act immediately," Knutson said.
Knutson says he is a partner in an events center in Fargo, and he understands the struggles they’re going through.
"This made a ton of sense for us, and it was a great way to help," Knutson said.
Knutson said he went out Tuesday and dropped checks off at those restaurants – buying $15,000 worth of gift cards.
"I tell you, it felt great," Knutson said. "The owners were extremely appreciative."
Knutson said the restaurant owners have been through a lot, and will continue to go through a lot.
"It felt amazing to drop those checks off, and help out during this time," Knutson said.
The cards themselves will be given out at real estate closings.