In February of 2022, Seattle's community of miniatures games enthusiasts banded together to help us create a club, bar, and social space just for miniatures games.

We had no experience starting or running a business (and few real examples to follow), but we dreamed of a place where anyone interested in miniatures games could connect with others face-to-face over tiny plastic toys and a good drink.

Since then, our little space in Ballard has become the home of a thriving community that strives to make our hobby as friendly and welcoming as possible. We host free opportunities to try out miniature painting every week, and connect people with others in the community who can show them the ropes of various games. We take pride in fostering a tabletop gaming community that is comfortable, safe, and unabashedly LGBTQ+. We've raised thousands of dollars for organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Trevor Project, Ballard Food Bank, Extra Life, and Chief Seattle Club.

Most importantly, at a time when people struggle more than ever with loneliness and isolation, people here are making tangible, lasting friendships that extend beyond the game table.

In the wake of all of these achievements, Waystone's home of three years is being sold to a real estate developer, and we need to both renovate and move into a new space by December.

The good news is that we are days away from signing a lease that's just down the road from the current location. Unfortunately, it will require extensive renovation, with a price tag of over $100,000. And while Waystone has been getting by from a financial standpoint, a bill like that was not part of our long-term plan.

The closer we get to our move date, the more clear it is how challenging and resource-intensive this is going to be, and how limited our abilities are as a team of just two owner-operators and two part time employees.

Having seen other local businesses and community spaces struggle with the consequences of debt after a move, we want to do everything we can to avoid being backed into a corner or forced to compromise and change how we operate.

Your donation would directly fund costs related to the move, helping Waystone emerge as debt-free as possible, and ensuring our long-term future.

This process has prompted us to do a lot of reflection; what we’ve realized is that the most powerful thing we have is our amazing community and the relationships we've cultivated. Whether you're someone who has experienced what Waystone has to offer, or simply a person on the internet who wants to know that a place like ours continues to exist, we're so grateful for your help.

-Dustin & Stefan

Waystone's Founders