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Collectible RVA Pins benefit nonprofits; launch with iconic bridge over James River

Posted at 5:04 PM, Apr 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-13 17:21:44-04

RICHMOND, Va. – The A-Line bridge may have been created almost a century ago as a quicker route around the city, but for residents, its iconic silhouette marks our skyline; it lofty perch grounds us with a sense of place.

There is no doubt that if Richmond had a series of collectible pins the heavily photographed bridge over James River would have to be one – in fact,  should probably be the first one.

Well, this is one of those times when the universe has listened.

VisitRichmondVa has worked with local style/fashion blog The Crystal Press to launch a series of rvaPins.

Not only can you get a collectible A-Line bridge pin (if you act quickly), but the purchase of one will go directly to charity.

The stylish lapel will be sold in limited quantities for $10, and all proceeds will go to local non-profits. Each series will have 200 pins, and the location that hosts the event will donate the proceeds to their chosen organization.

Series One in RVA Pins

Series One in RVA Pins

“Richmond stores were carrying them [pins] but there was no Richmond stuff on them,” said Greg Houser, with Richmond Region Tourism.

That’s how the series was born.

“I tried to think of something instantly recognizable, like the skyline,” Houser said. “One and two are locked down, and three is not determined – so we are open to suggestion.”

“The goal is to highlight places in Richmond that are doing cool things,” Houser said. “We are hoping people get stoked on them, and we can raise some money for charity.”

The first pin in the series will be for sale Wednesday, April 13, starting at 6 p.m., only at Pasture restaurant.

The proceeds will go toward providing Birthday Bags for a local foster child through Connecting Hearts Virginia, an organization supported by Michele Jones from Pasture.

Every $10 buys a bag, so local support of these hot new pins means 200 birthday bag will be generated for the local organization.

“Pasture is really excited to help launch this cool project with Visit Richmond and the Crystal Press,” said Michele Jones, the Owner/Manager at Pasture and Comfort restaurants. “The pins of Richmond landmarks are really fun and we love that they are donating the proceeds to one of our favorite charities, Connecting Hearts to support their birthday bags for kids in foster care.”

If you have a Richmond spot you think should be “pinned” tweet about it to @VisitRichmond.

The second in the series will be about RVA Street Art festival, which runs from April 22-24, 2016.

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