David "dvsDave" Silvernail needs your help

David “dvsDave” Silvernail and his family need your help. Dave is well known behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as the founder of Controlbooth.com , a friend to everyone, and an e-commerce expert. Unfortunately, a few months ago Dave lost his job. He has been working hard to find a new position. He has applied for 100s of positions both in the entertainment industry and out of it. Very few companies are hiring in e-commerce right now and many are laying off their current staff (as happened to Dave). Unfortunately, Dave went through a long job search last year, he was just getting established at the new position when the market turned. So he started this period of unemployment with very few financial reserves remaining. Now his 401k has been cashed in and spent and he has exhausted all other sources of income to support his family.

David and his wife are raising five wonderful kids. I've spent time with his family it’s a busy home filled with love and support. They are such great kids. Their oldest two are just starting to test their wings as young adults, while the middle boys are growing fast with all the energy and curiosity you’d expect. The youngest is a little artist full of questions and wonder. Like any parents, David and his wife want stability and normalcy for their children. They don't live extravagantly, they just want meals around the table, lights that stay on, and the chance for the kids to focus on school rather than worry about bills.

Some of you know Dave personally. Maybe you met him at a trade show where he was helping people new to the industry network. Maybe he gave you that always handy Controlbooth pocket reference card. Maybe you have been an e-commerce customer where he always makes sure everyone is treated fairly and honestly. Maybe you met him at benefit event supporting ESTA, Behind the Scenes, USITT, and a variety of other educational or career development events. Some of you don't know Dave at all. But you have used Controlbooth over the last 22 years to get safe, accurate answers and you have felt the power of belonging to the community that he built… all for free. Dave has poured countless hours into building and sustaining ControlBooth so others could learn and thrive. His work has touched thousands of careers, theaters, houses of worship, touring techs, students, people on the bounce, people who teach, and people who are techs as a hobby. He's done it all with very little financial gain. Most of the money he's made has been invested back into CB.

Now Dave and his kids need your help. Please consider helping him and his family now, as they work to get back on their feet. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. I am hoping to raise $12,500. That's enough to cover living expenses for the family of 7 for three months and keep ControlBooth up and running. Let’s get those little ones some school supplies, make sure they aren't hungry, and don't lose their home. Please join me in supporting David Silvernail and his family.