WHEELING, W.Va. – December 23, 2025 – Four local entrepreneurs will take the stage at the next Show of Hands event, presenting projects that highlight innovation, community investment, and the growing strength of Wheeling’s small-business community. The community-supported crowdfunding event will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main St.
At Show of Hands, attendees make a $5 donation for a vote, hear presentations from the four finalists, and vote for the project they want to fund. The project receiving the most votes will receive the money raised at the door plus more funds from community partners.
“Choosing finalists was especially difficult this cycle because of the incredible volume and quality of applications,” said Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage. “It’s exciting and encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs starting new businesses or expanding what they offer in Wheeling, and Show of Hands is always an electrifying reminder of how the people living here can help shape stronger, more vibrant communities.”
Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage:
Let’s meet the presenters:
LaBowls, founded by Sami LaBelle and Brian Campbell, has built a loyal following through pop-up appearances across Wheeling, offering acai and smoothie bowls inspired by personal stories and regional influences. If selected, LaBowls will use the funding to take the next step toward a permanent brick-and-mortar location, investing in commercial equipment, initial inventory, signage, and foundational build-out needs. A storefront would allow the business to expand hours, increase production capacity, create local jobs, and establish LaBowls as a consistent community gathering spot.
Mr. Squeezy’s Lemonade, operated by John A. Shook, delivers fresh-squeezed lemonade, snow cones, and interactive experiences that engage families and support local events. Funding would be used to establish The Lemonade Launchpad, a brick-and-mortar home base, allowing year-round service, expanded product offerings, community programming, and a permanent space to grow the brand’s creative, family-focused mission in Wheeling.
Prodigal Daughter, owned by MaryAnn Freeze, is a gift boutique offering greeting cards, housewares, vintage jewelry, and unexpected finds. If awarded funding, Prodigal Daughter plans to increase its visibility through targeted marketing efforts and streamline operations by implementing an integrated system to manage point-of-sale, online sales, inventory, and barcoding, supporting long-term sustainability and growth.
Two Flamingos, owned by Jamie Vigil, operates a food truck in the Woodsdale neighborhood serving espresso-based drinks along with protein-focused snacks and lunch options. Funding would be used to upgrade their espresso equipment to commercial-grade machines, improving efficiency, consistency, and customer experience while supporting continued growth in the local food scene.
Community members are encouraged to attend, vote, and support projects that demonstrate the power of collective investment in Wheeling’s future. Follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook and Instagram for updates and videos to learn more about these businesses.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
