Hello, my name is Rodney and I'm fundraising to keep my local business JRB Gelato open for business. (Instagram/@jrbgelatoaz)

I am a single father of three, who owns a small business in Phoenix Arizona since 2019. We serve Gelato during lunch to the local high school students and donate 10% of all earnings to their club of choice each week. We also serve at the local farmers markets as well. The pandemic hit us particularly hard because it closed down our main source of income, the schools. I reached out to other local businesses to use their parking lot to set up the Gelato stand to serve the community. Thanks to their graciousness, and community support we were able to stay afloat until school campuses reopened for vendors in August of 2022.

2023 was starting off great, but took a turn for the worst really quick at the end of January. I was hit with a bad case of the flu and a sinus infection, which forced me to miss nine events. But as you know, bills don't stop and kids still need to be fed. Two of my daughters are in grade school and one is in college out of state. I used the rest of my savings to maintain the home, and to cover business losses. Due to the lack of consistent help, I returned to work a week and a half later. I was overdoing it, wasn't drinking water or going to the restroom and woke up in the middle of the night to blood in my urine. I went to the hospital where I was told I had a bladder infection from the lack of water and not using the restroom. I was on antibiotics for 7 days and missed five more events. The lack of rest, the stress of being a provider, and a frustration of missing prior commitments was overwhelming.

Everyone has their own problems, and things are difficult for a lot of families right now. But, I was able to reach out to a few friends and family member who were willing to loan me money. I had a couple of friends purchase small catering packages in advance at a discount to help me also. I have a van that I use for work and a car that I use for family. I had to give up my vehicle to do what was best for my family. I take my daughters to school in the morning, and pick them up after school everyday in my work van now. My van is also used to pull my gelato trailer, and it needs immediate repairs.

I do not have a lack of opportunities, but my ability to take advantage of those opportunities is in jeopardy due to my unfortunate circumstances. Any help I receive will be used to pay back friends and family, make repairs to my only mode of transportation, and cover business losses and expenses. I will never be too proud to ask for help, and I'm thankful and grateful for what anyone is able to give from their heart.

Please help Us to keep serving our Community. Thank you.