❤️ We Never Thought We'd Have to Write a Post Like This ❤️
We believe we may have been the victims of a scam.
For more than a week, a man who identified himself as a paving contractor had been stopping by Rockridge. He told us he was working on projects down the road and became a familiar face around the stand. Because of those repeated interactions, we felt comfortable trusting him when he approached us about improving our driveway.
Recently, he offered what was presented as a paving project that would improve both sides of our driveway. We were told the work would be completed, improve our property, and be a great value. Instead, we were left with work that was not what we were promised, an unfinished project, and a parking area that now needs significant repairs.
We paid almost a $7,000 bill believing the work would be completed as promised. The contractor assured us they would return to finish the job, but they never came back. Since then, our attempts to reach them have gone unanswered, the website is no longer functioning, and the contact information we were given has not led to any resolution.
What should have been an improvement to our property has instead left us facing thousands of dollars in additional costs to repair the damage and make things right.
The financial impact has been devastating. Paying that bill completely wiped out the funds we rely on to purchase inventory and keep Rockridge stocked. Now, on top of the money already spent, we're facing the cost of repairing the damage and restoring our parking area.
If you know us, you know that asking for help is not something that comes naturally.
For years, Rockridge has been about community. We've proudly supported local farmers, food trucks, makers, schools, fundraisers, and small businesses. Every week we donate produce to the local food bank, and over the years we've quietly helped families in need with grocery boxes and other support whenever we could.
We have always believed that when people need help, you help if you can.
Today, we find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of being the ones asking.
To help us recover from this setback, replenish inventory, cover operating expenses, and begin repairing the damage that was left behind, we have started a fundraiser with a goal of $20,000.
To be completely honest, this feels incredibly strange. We are usually the ones helping others. We are usually the ones donating, promoting, supporting, and showing up when our community needs us. Being on the receiving end of that support is humbling, uncomfortable, and emotional.
We've gone back and forth about making this post because asking for help doesn't come naturally to us. But Rockridge has always been built by and for this community, and we're hopeful that the same community we've been honored to serve for so many years might help us through this challenge.
If Rockridge has ever been a place you've enjoyed visiting, if we've ever supported your business, hosted your food truck, donated to your cause, helped your family, or simply provided a place to gather and connect, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Every donation helps. And if you're not in a position to donate, sharing this post would mean just as much.
Thank you for believing in us, supporting local businesses, and helping us continue serving the community we love.
❤️ Misty, Jason & the Rockridge Family