With businesses struggling amid a government-mandated closure, Harmony Museum is offering a chance to win $450 in gift cards to locally owned Harmony and Zelienople businesses still open during the pandemic.

Nine $50 gift cards — to Harmony Inn, Two Fraus Bakery and Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes in Harmony; The Enchanted Olive in Jackson Township; and Burg'ers Brewing, Della Terra, Kaufman Tavern and ShuBrew in Zelienople — will be awarded to the winner of the drawing, which will be drawn May 31.

“We did have some ideas and thought the gift cards were a good way to help local restaurants,” said Rodney Gasch, Harmony Museum president.

Sherry Cepek, owner of The Enchanted Olive, said she appreciates the awareness the fundraiser will bring to businesses that still are open and added that she thinks it's a good way for the museum to stay afloat as well.

“I think it's a great idea for Harmony (Museum) because they're looking at a future where their fundraisers — the German Christmas market, the Silvester — keep them afloat, and there's a possibility they're not going to happen this year,” she said. “They're looking for small ways and promoting the local businesses as well.”

Gasch said one of the museum's supporters offered to buy all nine gift cards as a way to help both the museum and the restaurants. Much of the museum's income comes from groups renting out buildings — but with large gatherings on hold due to the coronavirus, that rental income is not coming in.

“We're looking at very little income, other than donations and the generosity of our members, which has been great, but we're looking at other avenues for revenue,” Gasch said. “This is also a way to help local businesses that are, too, trying to weather this storm as best they can.”

He added that $440 in tickets have been sold since the event opened Friday. Tickets, which sell for $5 each or $20 for five, are available on the museum's website, or those interested can also send a check to the museum.