Last Saturday in the midst of afternoon service our fire suppression system malfunctioned spewing chemical retardant all over the kitchen, ruining all the food, and creating a nightmare cleanup.

So we had to close, turning away many disappointed customers. And we have remained closed ever since.

At this point the outrageous cost of repairs, which according to our lease, is on us, is simply beyond my personal capacity. I've exhausted all my personal resources, and my credit cards are maxed out.

Plus the loss of income from what would have otherwise been a great sunny weekend exacerbated the crisis since it was urgently needed to pay the outstanding first-of-the-month bills and make payroll.

Never in my 78 years on earth have I ever had to ask for financial help from friends or from my community. And I took pride in the fact that I could be a life-long donor instead of a recipient. But everything changes, including my own idea of self-sufficiency.

So, I'm turning to you, my community of friends, loyal patrons, and neighbors to ask for your support to pitch in to get the doors of Jilly's opened again . Hopefully by Valentine's Day, as we have a fabulous menu planned.

While Jilly's Real Food Roadhouse has taken pride in being able to serve up delicious made-from-scratch comfort food at affordable prices, in one of the most beautiful settings on the whole Sonoma coast, getting financially secure has been an ongoing challenge. Particularly in the off-season when it gets pretty lonely out here.

As you know we weren't able to open Jilly's until the dead of last winter, when we could only open weekends. Due to staffing shortages, we were not able to open to 5 days until several months ago.

Being out on the tourist-dependent coast, winter is always a challenge. So, until this tragedy, I was limping along, juggling bills, and working tirelessly to make it til tourism picked up again. The appreciation and satisfaction of our customers kept my spirits up and motivated me to keep on keeping on as best I could.

So, this unforeseen large expenditure and the loss of needed income has just done me in.

I've been very touched by the outpouring of email and messages I've been receiving, many of them urging me to do this GoFundMe campaign. So, humbly, hat-in-hand. I am using this platform to ask for the help I now need to open my doors again.

If we can re-open we have many exciting menu changes we were about to introduce. Outrageously good mahi mahi fish tacos with mango-avocado salsa on the regular menu, fish and chips (at last) and more items for vegetarians. Not to mention an amazing Valentine's Day dinner.

I bow in gratitude for whatever support you can lend.

Jill Lippitt

The Jill in Jilly's