Give a Little
Without the Fine Print
About Our Donation Policy
(Or: Why We Can’t Say Yes to Everyone)
Our donation policy reflects our belief in living and giving generously… and we do, both personally and through causes that genuinely matter to us.
However, with just three rooms and a long list of worthy causes, we simply can’t say yes to every request that lands in our inbox (and believe us, there are a lot). As much as we’d love to donate nights like Oprah gives away cars, it’s just not sustainable.
So, we’ve set some clear boundaries… and a better option… for how we handle donation requests.
This donation policy allows us to support good causes in a sustainable, transparent way… without confusion or fine print.
Keep reading to see what we do offer (hint: it’s still a great deal, and way less awkward than us ignoring your email).
Now… Let’s Talk About Donations
Let’s Do It the Smart Way.
Over the years, we’ve donated dozens of stays. And we’ve learned a few things along the way:
- Everyone wants a “free night.” Usually on a weekend. That’s roughly one-third of our income, folks.
- Most certificates never get used — we’ve done the math.
- The ones that do get used often come with confusion, restrictions, paperwork, and a side of IRS-induced headache.
- And let’s be honest… a stay here is worth more than a scented candle at your silent auction.
A Straight-Up Gift Certificate
The easiest, kindest, and most effective option — for you and your organization.
You (or a donor/sponsor) purchase a Main Street Inn gift certificate in any dollar amount. We’ll provide you with a beautifully designed certificate for your event display, and your recipient can use it however they’d like:
- No blackout dates
- No awkward restrictions
- Valid for one full year
- Can be upgraded, extended, or bundled with a package
Your auction guest gets a real, meaningful stay.
You look like a fundraising genius.
We don’t lose our minds trying to juggle the fine print.
(and Actually Work)
The smartest partners have a donor purchase the gift certificate ahead of time — then feature it as a high-impact auction item. Everyone wins.
Want to make your auction item irresistible and avoid giving away a $300 stay for $40? Pair our gift certificate with a themed getaway bundle — and set your auction price closer to the full value. (No one needs to win a weekend for the price of a scented candle. Unless it’s you. In which case — congrats.)
1. Sip & Stay Inn Parkville — What to Include:
- Main Street Inn gift certificate ($150+ value)
- Bottle of wine or sparkling cider
- Wine glasses or tumblers
- Gift card to a Parkville restaurant
2. Shop, Stroll & Stay — What to Include:
- Main Street Inn gift certificate ($150+ value)
- Gift cards to a few local Parkville boutiques or coffee shops
- Candle or small gift from a Parkville artisan
- Chocolate or treat box from a local sweet shop
- Bonus: Include a handwritten list of “Favorite Stops in Downtown Parkville”
3. Cozy Night Inn — What to Include:
- Main Street Inn gift certificate ($150+ value)
- Fuzzy socks or plush slippers
- Gourmet popcorn or snack set
- Movie night gift card (Amazon / Netflix / etc.)
- Mini board game or deck of cards
- Bonus: Add a cute mug with hot cocoa or tea
P.S. All gift certificates — donated or purchased — fall under our standard gift certificate and cancellation policy, including expiration dates, blackout dates, and terms of use. (No napkin IOUs. No fine print surprises.)
Once you’ve made your purchase, reply to the confirmation email and let us know it’s for a donation. We’ll happily print a fancy certificate and pop it in the mail with a few snazzy rack cards to make your table look like you really planned this whole thing.
We’ve offered those in the past — and let’s just say, they created more confusion than connection.
If you want the most bang for your basket (without the fine print or IRS strings attached), go with the real magic: a standard gift certificate. No restrictions. No explaining. Just a great stay, already paid for.