Dearest Community-

I have come before you many times requesting support for locals in need.

And you have always come through.

Generously.

A very beloved local family needs community support and rescue. They are in dire financial straits through no fault of their own.

Kim and Carl Lea own Bentinos and are at risk of losing it all.

Last week Kim confided in me the very serious details of their situation. And I urged her to please reach out to a community that loves and cherishes her family and their contributions.

They have owned Bentinos since 12/10/2006.

They employ 18-20 employees. Mostly local. They treat their staff as family.

She shared with me that since the pandemic the business has never financially recovered.

Carl works 6-7 days a week at Bentinos.

Kim has managed major health issues for a decade. Including an MS diagnosis 8 years ago.

They are raising Silas- an amazing 11 year old.

While opting to keep their employees paid they have not taken paychecks themselves since the pandemic. Years.

This isn’t mismanagement.

It is the snowball effect of this brutal economy leaving them vulnerable to the very real possibility of losing it all. Their home- their car and Bentinos.

This is the same family that offers free meals to the unhomed and hungry.

All while treading.

Yet still I had to plead with Kim to ask for help.

This isn’t their way.

They are hard working, self reliant, wonderful community members.

Please please do what you can to keep the Leas in town and to keep Bentinos alive.

Don’t let them go down.

A gofund me will be set up.

In the meantime please offer love and strength to this beautiful family.

Kim, Carl and Silas- we love you!

❤️❤️❤️