The C&P GoFundMe campaign has now raised $62,205 with 522 people donating contributions! I think that show an amazing level of community support for what has become a beloved community treasure over these past 15 years.
As some of you may already know, our poetry & storytelling "home" is now up for sale and Cameron and Pete are facing an existential crisis for their coffee shop.
C&P has served as a local community center for art, music, poetry and numerous other community activities that have found a home there. I call it a crisis because there is considerable urgency since the owner has put the property up for sale and is asking $1.2 million and will be considering offers during a three week window and the clock is ticking.
As you can see from the news articles below, concerned fans of the coffee shop have suggested numerous options. Cameron & Pete have chosen to try to buy the property. A key component of that effort has been to start a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $240,000 for a down payment.
I have come to love both the space and the spirit behind C&P. I have developed a deep respect for Cameron & Pete, both for who they are, their values and their life purpose. In an interview (See Interview) I did with them last year, it was clear to me that their initial business venture thinking has evolved as they embraced a commitment to serving the community as an integral element of being a first class coffee shop. And now the community appears more than ready to support them as we so highly value their presence in our community.
I have attached additional information for you below which includes local news coverage of the situation, Cameron and Pete's perspective and comments from the local community.
Here is the link to the Go Fund Me site which includes a letter from Cameron and Pete. I have already contributed to this fund and I encourage those of you who value the special space they have created to consider supporting as well.
I hope we can somehow help ensure the continued survival of a space that has been so hospitable and supportive of our efforts to maintain a place for poets and storytelling to share their art with us.
Please feel free to share this email with others.
Gratefully,
Leopoldo
Owners "Scambling" Article in the West Seattle Blog
"Go Fund Me" Article in the West Seattle Blog
" Feels Community Embrace" Article in the West Seattle Herald