Save New Renaissance Bookshop
Donation protected
Hello Great Souls!
This is Darlene Potter with my daughter, Claire giving you an update on what’s happening at New Renaissance Bookshop.
It’s a beautiful Spring day on NW 23rd. The cherry tree in front of the bookshop is beginning to bloom and show us its abundant, pink, luscious blossoms. An unusual quiet fills the street as most businesses have closed and traffic has subsided. Our business too, has closed. For 32 years, New Renaissance has been a lively community hub of sharing, spirituality, and creativity. The strength and beauty of the bookshop remains and is awaiting its grand reopening.
Since our family along with two other friends opened the store, we have strived to offer a beautiful space where many people feel at home and supported on their Path. We have heard many customers tell us how important the store is to them and many feel that the store is their “temple” or spiritual community.
We have an incredible staff of 21 people, each an expert in their own domain. Many of our staff have been with us for decades. Over the years, we have supported artists, authors, musicians, and spiritual teachers from many traditions. We support independent publishers and give a voice to new authors. We also have a collection of beautiful and unique gifts, jewelry, and textiles from both local and global artisans. We support conscious business practices and strive to take dharmic (ethical) action in our business.
But now we are faced with an unprecedented situation. Due to Covid-19 and the fact that we have closed to the public for over three weeks, we are running out of cash to pay our rent, utilities, payroll, liabilities and publishers. We need to ensure that we have enough funds to help us survive this closure; plus enough capital to re-open and carry us through a probable recession.
We have spent this past week researching the loans and grants offered through the federal government and independent organizations. The forgiveness part of the government loans have many restrictions and due to our specific situation, we may not qualify. We are hesitant to take on more debt without any indication that we can re-open soon or generate meaningful income to pay it off. We have applied for a couple small grants so far and are researching more.
We are asking for your immediate support so that New Renaissance can continue to be a Light for our Community. The funds donated will keep us afloat through this time of closure and beyond. As we navigate this unique challenge together, the money that you donate will offer us a lifeline to become strong and viable again!
If you can give any amount, we are truly grateful. Thank you for all your support and love over these past 32 years. It is an honor to serve you and be a part of your lives. We feel that in these uncertain times, the bookshop will be needed more than ever to uplift our community. We will be your “oasis of peace” in a busy city once again.
With Love and Blessings,
Darlene and Claire
#SmallBusinessRelief
Owner Darlene Potter with daughter Claire, Manager and Events Coordinator.
New Renaissance Bookshop circa 1990.
This is Darlene Potter with my daughter, Claire giving you an update on what’s happening at New Renaissance Bookshop.
It’s a beautiful Spring day on NW 23rd. The cherry tree in front of the bookshop is beginning to bloom and show us its abundant, pink, luscious blossoms. An unusual quiet fills the street as most businesses have closed and traffic has subsided. Our business too, has closed. For 32 years, New Renaissance has been a lively community hub of sharing, spirituality, and creativity. The strength and beauty of the bookshop remains and is awaiting its grand reopening.
Since our family along with two other friends opened the store, we have strived to offer a beautiful space where many people feel at home and supported on their Path. We have heard many customers tell us how important the store is to them and many feel that the store is their “temple” or spiritual community.
We have an incredible staff of 21 people, each an expert in their own domain. Many of our staff have been with us for decades. Over the years, we have supported artists, authors, musicians, and spiritual teachers from many traditions. We support independent publishers and give a voice to new authors. We also have a collection of beautiful and unique gifts, jewelry, and textiles from both local and global artisans. We support conscious business practices and strive to take dharmic (ethical) action in our business.
But now we are faced with an unprecedented situation. Due to Covid-19 and the fact that we have closed to the public for over three weeks, we are running out of cash to pay our rent, utilities, payroll, liabilities and publishers. We need to ensure that we have enough funds to help us survive this closure; plus enough capital to re-open and carry us through a probable recession.
We have spent this past week researching the loans and grants offered through the federal government and independent organizations. The forgiveness part of the government loans have many restrictions and due to our specific situation, we may not qualify. We are hesitant to take on more debt without any indication that we can re-open soon or generate meaningful income to pay it off. We have applied for a couple small grants so far and are researching more.
We are asking for your immediate support so that New Renaissance can continue to be a Light for our Community. The funds donated will keep us afloat through this time of closure and beyond. As we navigate this unique challenge together, the money that you donate will offer us a lifeline to become strong and viable again!
If you can give any amount, we are truly grateful. Thank you for all your support and love over these past 32 years. It is an honor to serve you and be a part of your lives. We feel that in these uncertain times, the bookshop will be needed more than ever to uplift our community. We will be your “oasis of peace” in a busy city once again.
With Love and Blessings,
Darlene and Claire
#SmallBusinessRelief
Owner Darlene Potter with daughter Claire, Manager and Events Coordinator.
New Renaissance Bookshop circa 1990.
Organizer
Claire Areesa
Organizer
Portland, OR
