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I’ve gone back and forth about making this post because I told myself I would never ask for help again. But this isn’t just about me anymore. I’m asking for help to keep Hamburger Mary’s Jacksonville open for one more month while I continue exploring every possible option to save it. I’m not sitting back hoping someone else fixes this. I’ve just taken a job going back to doing hair full-time to bring in additional income. My business partner took a job several weeks ago away from home so we could put more money toward the restaurant. I’ve sold nearly 80% of my drag wardrobe, and I’m continuing to list more every day.
I’ve heard the rumors. People have said I’m living some lavish lifestyle or questioned the car I drive. The truth is I traded my Mercedes for a vehicle that’s almost 10 years old with over 80,000 miles because the payment was nearly cut in half. The reality of my life looks very different than what some people choose to believe. I’m not built for mean-spirited people. Reading things that aren’t true and wondering why so much hate is directed toward me has taken a toll. I’m far from perfect, but I know who I am. I know how much I’ve sacrificed to keep this dream alive.
Someone recently told me it was time to face reality and give up. Maybe they’re right. But if I gave up today, our employees would lose their jobs without warning, our entertainers would lose their stage, and our community would lose a place that has meant so much to so many people. I have to know I did everything I could before I walk away. Will people laugh because I’m asking for help again? Probably. But if I closed the doors tomorrow, I’d likely be judged for that too. I’d rather be criticized for trying than wonder for the rest of my life if one more month could have changed everything.
Funds raised will help cover rent, operating expenses, and repair our AC unit, giving Hamburger Mary’s a fighting chance to stay open and continue serving the community. I can’t promise what the future holds. I can only promise that if we make it through this month, I’ll keep fighting with everything I have. If you can donate, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this post could mean just as much. No matter what happens, thank you to every guest, employee, entertainer, and friend who has believed in us. You helped create something that was always bigger than a restaurant.
I’ve heard the rumors. People have said I’m living some lavish lifestyle or questioned the car I drive. The truth is I traded my Mercedes for a vehicle that’s almost 10 years old with over 80,000 miles because the payment was nearly cut in half. The reality of my life looks very different than what some people choose to believe. I’m not built for mean-spirited people. Reading things that aren’t true and wondering why so much hate is directed toward me has taken a toll. I’m far from perfect, but I know who I am. I know how much I’ve sacrificed to keep this dream alive.
Someone recently told me it was time to face reality and give up. Maybe they’re right. But if I gave up today, our employees would lose their jobs without warning, our entertainers would lose their stage, and our community would lose a place that has meant so much to so many people. I have to know I did everything I could before I walk away. Will people laugh because I’m asking for help again? Probably. But if I closed the doors tomorrow, I’d likely be judged for that too. I’d rather be criticized for trying than wonder for the rest of my life if one more month could have changed everything.
Funds raised will help cover rent, operating expenses, and repair our AC unit, giving Hamburger Mary’s a fighting chance to stay open and continue serving the community. I can’t promise what the future holds. I can only promise that if we make it through this month, I’ll keep fighting with everything I have. If you can donate, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this post could mean just as much. No matter what happens, thank you to every guest, employee, entertainer, and friend who has believed in us. You helped create something that was always bigger than a restaurant.
Organizer
