It breaks my heart that we even have to write this, but after the devastating Snohomish flood, we have lost nearly everything.

For years, we poured our hearts into transforming an overgrown tree nursery into a place the community could truly call its own. Our vision was big and full of life: “Whiskey & Waffles” a farm kitchen partnering with local farms, indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, cozy lounges with fireplaces, and multiple premier event spaces for weddings, concerts, and community gatherings of every kind. The possibilities felt endless. As we prepared to finally open this spring, our greatest hope was simple… bring people together and create memories that would last a lifetime.

In a matter of 24 hours, that dream was put on hold. The flood caused overwhelming damage, destroying equipment, infrastructure, and the property. We lost millions and the majority of everything we own. After being so close to opening, we are now facing months of cleanup, rebuilding, and starting completely over.

As if the flood itself wasn’t enough, when we returned to the property by boat and found it under nearly seven feet of water, we discovered looters in the act of stealing from us. While securing our remaining non flooded shipping containers, a group arrived by kayaks and fled after we caught them stealing. Before leaving, they vandalized our flooded equipment by spray painting neon pink swastikas, adding a deeply painful and hateful experience to an already devastating situation.

This is the hardest time we have ever faced, and we would not be asking for help if we did not truly need it. Between losing nearly everything to the flood, being robbed, and experiencing a hate crime, the emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming.

Our company is just three people. Dave Wells, Blake Wells, and Sean Osborn. Two families who put everything we had into building this place, and now face the possibility of losing it all.

Our company & the property will share the same name, The Forge. Like a Forge, we are being tested by fire. This disaster may have knocked us down, but it did not knock us out. We are committed to rebuilding, coming back stronger than ever, and reopening our doors to the community we worked so hard to create this place for.

We are incredibly grateful to anyone who takes the time to read our story, share it, or donate. Your support means more to us than we can ever put into words!

#SnohomishStrong