Community comes together to rise and rebuild Uptown Jackson after fire

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — Just two weeks after a fire damaged several local businesses, the Jackson community is rallying to support its local businesses through a movement called “Rise + Rebuild Uptown Jackson.”

What began as a recovery fundraiser for the businesses, has quickly become a celebration of resilience. Drawing families, neighbors and small business owners together to show their support for the local small businesses.

“I personally just love this community. I grew up here, and I wanted to make a big impact in a big way,” said Allison Hobbs, one of the organizers of the movement. “We were affected too, but we’re not taking donations. We’re here to help Sweetheart Florist, Fringe Boutique, and others that were hit hard. We’re excited to be out here today.”

Vendors from across the region joined the rally, with many donating a portion of their profits to the rebuilding efforts.

“It’s been amazing,” said Sam Thomas, owner of Sam’s Fine Jewelry, one of the stores damaged in the fire. “Vendors who aren’t even from this street have come out and are giving 10% of their sales to support this fund.”

Thomas also credited local firefighters and first responders for preventing the damage from becoming worse.

“We couldn’t have rebuilt without this community, and the firefighters,” Thomas said. “That’s the only reason these structures are still standing. People have been calling every day asking, ‘What can I do?’”

For many, including the owners of Fringe Boutique, the event was not just about fundraising, but about showing the town that Uptown Jackson is still open for business.

“We just wanted to have a presence here, to let everyone know we’re still here,” said Terri Moore, co-owner of the boutique. “We’re so thankful for all the people coming tonight to show support for our little community.”

Co-owner Shelly McDowell also displays her gratitude, saying the outpouring of support has been unimaginable.

“I’ve had people reach out from other small towns asking how they can help,” McDowell said. “Just showing up tonight is huge for us. Uptown is still open. Please support the small businesses that are staying open and working hard to recover.”

As music played and crowds gathered in the streets, the atmosphere felt more like a block party than a benefit.

“I’ve seen the community come together before, and I knew this would be no different,” Hobbs said. “This is what Jackson’s all about, people showing up for each other.”

While there’s still work ahead, the movement has made one thing clear: Uptown Jackson isn’t going anywhere, rebuilding to be better than ever.