Homestead Hosts 'Thank You' Event Despite Heavy Rain

A little (well, a lot) of rain wasn't going to stop The Homestead Grocery & Deli from thanking their customers for being there when they were needed most.

The Homestead held their a 'thank you' barbecue to honor the one-year anniversary of a cash mob held in their honor. The Amherst business had almost $7,000 taken in the burglaries in July 2012, which included about $500 in SHARE Outreach donations.

The owners were thinking of closing their business, but customers convinced them to stay through a cash mob. A 'cash mob' has a large group of customers pledge to shop at a business during a certain time period. Over 600 people came to show their support for The Homestead that day.

The rain poured down on Friday, but employees at The Homestead stood under their tent and continued to cook. Customers still stopped by even as deep puddles formed all around the building. T-shirts in memory of that cash mob were given out as well.

For co-owner Ralph Melchionda, point of the day was to show his appreciation to the people who gave him so much hope. That day will never be forgotten.

"We love being here, and we love the people of Amherst," he said.