My grandparents have lived at their farm for the past 36 years, showered it with love, laughter, and everything in between that makes a family. They owned a family business for the past 50+ years, and poured just as much soul into the food.

10 years ago, they closed down their family-owned restaurant and bar that had been open since 1956 to downsize to a smaller scale cafe. They opened the cafe in 2016 and managed to stay open during the hardships of COVID pandemic with local support. Now, the building that they lease the cafe out of is for sale. Once sold, the cafe will close.

They are too stubborn to ask for help, so I am taking the initiative as any concerned grandchild would. They continue to work at the ages of 72 and 75, in desperation to save their home. Unfortunately, age comes with health issues. My grandfather who once loved to make woodwork in his shop on the property can no longer see clearly due to a stroke in July of 2024. My grandmother who will not stop running around her kitchen to keep the customers full and happy, has had knee surgery and needs more. On top of these burdens, they are on the brink of losing the farm and barely making the mortgage. The electricity was turned off for 2 months in the summer. Once the cafe closes, we are scared for the future. The bank has been after it for the past year, trying to rip away everything they’ve worked hard for. They are unable to sell it due to this, it would just end up being a loss. A loss of everything they’ve worked so hard for, a loss of all my childhood memories, a loss of a place I’ve always found peace and solace.

I have spent the past 22 years of my life swimming, fishing, and watching the 3 koi fish swim back and forth each summer in the pond. We have danced in the rain in the Springs, sled down the hills in the Winters, and made leaf piles to jump into in the Falls. We have baked cookies in the kitchen, put wood in the fireplace, and spent each Christmas morning in my grandmothers living room. They have lived in this home, and it breaks my heart to watch them try to survive.

In order to be comfortable, it would take about $150,000. In order to pay off the farm and reside where they are comfortable, it would take $514,000. Anything helps.