<div><strong>Support Wilkeson’s Small Businesses Impacted by the Fairfax Bridge Closure</strong>
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<div>For more than a century, Wilkeson has proudly served as a <strong>gateway to Mount Rainier National Park</strong>. Our small businesses — the restaurants, shops, and services that line our streets, thrive on the visitors who pass through on their way to the mountain. They are not only the lifeblood of our local economy, but also the heart of our community.
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<div><strong>On April 14, 2025</strong>, that lifeline was abruptly disrupted. Washington State Department of Transportation closed the Fairfax Bridge after identifying serious safety concerns, stemming from <strong>decades of deferred maintenance, cutting off direct access to Mount Rainier.</strong>
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<div>In an instant, visitation stopped, tourism collapsed, and our local economy was left reeling. Now, more than four months later, there is still <strong>no relief available for the small businesses</strong> most directly affected.
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<div>Some businesses have already reported revenue losses exceeding 40%, while others are struggling week to week just to keep their doors open. Without immediate support, <strong>many may not survive</strong> to see next season.
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<div>Over the past several months, I have reached out for state and local emergency funding to help sustain Wilkeson’s businesses. Unfortunately, those <strong>requests have been denied,</strong> and we’ve even been told that some businesses may simply have to close. That is not an acceptable option for us. Our small businesses are the backbone of this town — they deserve a chance to survive while long-term solutions are pursued.
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<div>That is why we have launched this <strong>Wilkeson Small Business Relief Fund</strong>.
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<div><strong>How Funds Will Be Used</strong>
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<div>All donations will go directly to sustaining small businesses in Wilkeson. Funds will be distributed fairly and transparently, with an emphasis on providing short-term relief to stabilize businesses until access is restored.
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<div><strong>Why This Matters</strong>
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<div>The loss of even a single small business in Wilkeson is more than an economic setback, it is a<strong> loss of community identity</strong>. These businesses employ our neighbors, welcome visitors, and preserve the unique character of our town.
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<div>Wilkeson has always been, and will remain, a gateway town. With your help, we can protect local jobs, <strong>keep businesses open</strong>, and ensure our community continues to thrive until permanent solutions are in place.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<li>Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a <strong>meaningful difference</strong>.
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<li>Share: <strong>Please spread the word</strong> by sharing this campaign with your family, friends, and networks.
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<li>Stand with us: <strong>Sign the petition</strong>, support our small businesses, and together we can sustain Wilkeson through this crisis and safeguard the future of our community. <a href="https://chng.it/gkjjyjD6kQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign here!</a>
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<div><strong>Together, we can keep Wilkeson strong. Thank you for your support</strong>!
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<div>Wilkeson Historical District
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<div>(Photos Courtesy of Jeff Wolff Photography)
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Lisa Miller

Anonymous

Anthony Fusco

Lois Chowen

Molly Wright

Wilkeson Small Business Emergency Fund

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Android

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English only

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Mark Rieth IP Address

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desktop

Android v12.11.0 and above

Platform is Android

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Payment method type group to be vaulted on success

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EUR Donation Upsell

Share Text generation Skip Fundraiser

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AUD Donation Upsell audience

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Active Fundraiser - Smart Default Cadence

DAF Internal

Vault on success card payment method

Platform is iOS v11.0.0 and above

Desktop users

Person ids

United States (US) users

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Posters INTL

NPO Profile Opted-In

iOS at or above 12.4.0

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Canada Campaign Owner Group

Fundraiser Without Meta Link

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Charities allow to be claimed unclaimed (PRD)

Canada (CA) users

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UC Tipping v20250115 International

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Android at or above 12.2.0

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Platform is iOS v11.2.0 and above

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AI Chatbot Audience

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UC Flow Enabled (Prod)

Payment Identity Beneficiary Verification - Production

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Custom users

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Android v11.0.0 and above

Users Receiving Payments Paused Notifications

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Manage Coach - US English Organizers Only + new funds only

Team EGG - IP Address list

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New funds eligible - Video Sharing (PROD)

GB Donation Upsell audience 

Auto Thanks V3 Rollout Audience

Thank you V3 testing whitelist

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Logged In Users

CH Donation Upsell audience

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CAD Donation Upsell Audience

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NPO Profile Opted-Out

iOS App Version

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PYMK has donors

iOS v12.3.0 and above

Wilkeson Small Business Emergency Fund

Still $25,223 to go. Help us build momentum.