Help Jim Tinney build his KISS THE SKY bookstore!

Hi, my name is Roger Fisher, founding guitarist of rock group, Heart.

What made me poke my nose in to an under-construction building's front door several years ago is a mystery to me. I met Jim Tinney, a man audacious enough to buy, against his accountant's wishes, a failing 1890's former bordello in the tiny town of Sultan, Washington. A former tech company owner, he chose to abandon that life and create a bookstore.

I kept stopping by infrequently to see the progress. "Hey Jim, if you build a stage right there in that corner, I'll play here and try to help your business." Jim, "Hell yeah!"

Turns out our histories go way back in the Pacific Northwest, he's a former soundman for rock groups! Naturally, we became friends. Then Jim contracted leukemia. As he went through an excruciating time in his life, he continued his work on the bookstore, rarely ever stopping. I'll let him tell his story:

Hi - My name is Jim Tinney. I have been starting up a bookstore and coffee shop - Kiss The Sky - providing live music and a community gathering place for the last several years.

The shutdowns, slowdowns, and loss of momentum during the pandemic hit me hard. In addition, I contracted leukemia, and for a time was paying $30,000 a month for treatment until I was broke. To get back on the track of growth and success I started to achieve before the crisis, I need the resources to continue restoration, repairs, and improvements on this fantastic historic building that will allow it to be profitable.

Plumbing and electrical work are badly needed, as well as modifications for accessible entrances and accomodations. Kiss The Sky is crippled by having burned up all resources surviving leukemia and the pandemic - and in fact survival does not look hopeful.

We are hanging on, but we need your help to get through this. Circumstances have not allowed us to take advantage of any of the relief programs - we've had to do it on our own - and now we are asking for your help to turn this wonderful place into the jewel in our community that it should be. ~Jim Tinney

Today, the bookstore is still unfinished and incapable of showing a profit until a kitchen is installed. At that point, he'll be able to sell beer and wine, making a big difference in income. There needs to be a wheelchair ramp. The outside needs a facelift. There is structural work that needs to be done, both on the main building and a small building out back that will house a small stage with a bar and room for 25 people.

Jim's live shows are remarkable! I play there most Wednesdays, inviting talented friends that cover a wide range of genres, performed with the greatness of real pros. The audience is always enrapt. But the capacity is only 80, so there's not much money at the door. With a decent camera system, Jim's desire is to create a broadcast show that attracts a large audience. I earnestly want all his hard work and perseverance to pay off.

One of Jim's main goals is to benefit the local community. He recently won, "2023 Supporter Of The Year" for generating funds for Volunteers Of America. He's a great guy and deserves our help!