A unique program at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau has resulted in $81,000 in revenue for local businesses due to a boost from the Butler Health System.

The tourism bureau sells $25 Butler County Gift Certificates, which are redeemable at about 100 businesses across the county.

The gift certificates, which are available year-round, were promoted for the holiday shopping season as the perfect gift to support county restaurants, stores and other businesses.

Jack Cohen, tourism bureau president, announced that a record-breaking 3,240 Butler County Gift Certificates were sold in November and December.

Of those gift certificates, 2,528 were purchased by the Butler Health System for its employees, who are facing difficult days in caring for those sickened by COVID-19.

“The effort put forth by our staff — especially our front-line care providers — is impossible to describe,” said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Butler Health System. “You quite literally have to look into their eyes at the end of a long shift to fully appreciate what they have been through, and what they continue to go through.”

He said the health system has been strapped with significant financial challenges as a result of the pandemic, much like small businesses in the county.

“The gift certificates for our staff through Butler County Tourism was a perfect way to provide a small gesture of thanks to our employees, and at the same time support our local businesses, who so desperately need our help right now,” DeFurio said.

The holiday gift certificate program also included entry into a drawing for one of three prize packages valued at more than $300 each.

As a courtesy to the community, DeFurio chose not to include the health system gift certificates in the drawing, so others would have a better chance of winning.

“We feel the incentive program for our Butler County Gift Certificates was a huge success and will financially help our local businesses in a time when they need it the most,” said Cohen.