Oh boy. I want to disclose right away that I do not feel entirely comfortable asking strangers for money, or anyone for help - ever. I'm the person everyone turns to for help, not the other way around. However, we have a good thing here on the cusp on realizing some big dreams with a whole lot in return for your generous contribution - big or small.  Your donation will serve several purposes, and comes with a match from me. I wouldn't have been comfortable creating this campaign if I were unable to offer generous donors something for their investment.

I'm David Norris, a Somerville resident of ten years who is so glad to have connected with this city and it's people. I own The Guy With a Truck Moving Company (named best movers in Somerville this year) as well as Odds & Ends Thrift Shop on Somerville Ave. We also provide snow removal service across Somerville, Cambridge and Medford. 

Some readers must already know that we expanded to a new, larger location on Somerville Ave in February. I couldn't be happier with the first year's results. Most of all, I'm proud that we offer general merchandise to people who need it at great prices in a unique, friendly, inclusive environment. If you've never been, there is literally a game room downstairs where you can play vintage arcade games we have for sale - free coffee - miles of vinyl - and a wild assortment of anything you night need. I also offer up the game room to community groups to meet in a large centrally located space. Don't worry, more about the game room to come.

We are at a crucial spot reaching for our dreams, and with the right support, have an opportunity to realize huge goals while providing the same great service, unique and affordable merchandise to our community as well as new markets, To date, every quota and goal has been reached or surpassed because I, as sole proprietor, have expanded modestly and sacrificed a lot to meet the expectations I set - even the challenging ones.

To the point...

I've set a lofty goal of $70,000 because we can easily match that sum with goods and services. We really sell anything from beanie babies to fine art and laboratory equipment. With a modest influx of capital, I can realize the plans and goals established for the next five years in about twelve months.

Those goals are to:

Purchase a warehouse and retail space to expand our client base for both service and sales into a new communities. Research shows Malden, Melrose, Everett as well as Merrimack Valley locations as especially viable. 

Establish a permanent, year round, indoor market in the Union Square neighborhood that will reflect the eclectic nature of our city.

Establish a traditional brick and mortar retail space offering local artisans an affordable venue to sell their product in a collective environment.

Like the goals I set for myself, I've also set the bar very high in terms of what I hope to generate with this campaign. I have locations scouted and it's entirely possible $40,000 would get us most of the way there, but I will always aim high.

Use any monies not invested in expansion to provide rewarding work opportunities to local IT professionals, graphic designers,  tradesmen and artists - elevating the brand and making it more of a community based organization.

In truth, I'm confident we will get exactly where we want to be in the timeframe I can manage. But perhaps, this campaign gains traction and I can make it a reality much more quickly. 

Now, I am totally new to this. But I need to extensively elaborate on what making a contribution really means, whether it's a single dollar or ten thousand. Especially given my personal match commitment for every contribution, I hope to interest and possibly have some dialogue with parties who see value in a substantial investment.

Enough vague anti-climatic suspense...

A very bright young retailer was speaking at Somerville Central Library and one thing which has consistently resonated with me from that presentation was the value of pre-selling merchandise. He probably emails you fifty times a day if you've ever bought a Johnny Cupcakes shirt.

So, my actual goal here is not to ask for a donation in the traditional sense, but rather presell a substantial volume of goods and services. I've created a voucher which can be redeemed company wide. It could be used to buy pots and pans in Somerville, or a dresser at the expansion site in Melrose, or for moving services this summer, snow plowing, shovelling, or even storage in the warehouse.

If you're a snow removal client of ours who pays say $1200 per year, a contribution of $5000 would pay the next four years of snow removal in addition to the tax benefits associated with a charitable contribution. Are you someone with a dozen rental properties (which I am actually capable of adding if needed) and see the value in connecting with a local provider as well as the fiscal benefits?

Another big picture example, do you own or manage a large facility, or rental properties and lack a solid disposal provider and mover?  Planning a big move to California? Why not consider a donation that would cover the cost of the move?

Another option, I like options, is using the money match towards storage big or small. There are so many options, even temporary housing for someone selling their place and needing a furnished situation.

Or, you can always redeem a voucher towards anything from a turntable to a dresser or a pile of toys for the kids. Because the goal here is expansion, potential donors can expect to be able to redeem their voucher in one of three retail locations and the service area for snow removal as well as moving will also greatly expand. I'm also happy to match your contribution in kind with merchandise for local charities. 

Now, the best comes last, and I really hope people get to take advantage of the offer. I mentioned the game room earlier. I do host private functions. Pricing, roughly, is as follows. Four hours of unlimited gaming for up to 10 persons $500. Sleeping and parking accommodations for 8 as well as four hours of unlimited gaming $1200. Killer spot for your holiday work party or just a party in general. We handle the cleanup, you just have fun. Safe fun environment with a pa for music or a dj. New Year's Eve does have a premium..

Thanks so much for your ear and support.

David