Rallying Together to Save Aaron's Woodworking Shop

Dearest community,

We write to you today in hopes of supporting our dear friend, Aaron Pirata through a challenging time. As you know Aaron is an active and cherished member of our community, always lending a helping hand with a smile and a laugh, and making a positive impact on those around him. We believe in the power of collective community, especially in hard times, and know this GoFunMe will greatly lift our brother Aaron up in his time of need. Please consider helping us in this endeavor.

It’s been a hard few years for Aaron, and despite long hours and so much hard work, he’s at risk of losing his woodworking shop. This is a critical juncture, and we hope to rally together and extend a helping hand. By contributing to this fundraiser, you are helping Aaron and preserving a local craftsman's livelihood.

Your kindness and support can make a significant impact on Aaron's immediate challenges and future dreams.

The Journey Thus Far

In August 2019, a devastating fire claimed Moxy, where Aaron’s previous shop was. Afterward, he spent a full year investing his time and funds into building out a new shop space in Alameda. However, the owner of the building unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy. Aaron lost his investment of both his time as well as money, which forced him to scramble for odd jobs to cover his bills. But that didn't stop Aaron, and with even more hard work, he opened his current shop in San Leandro in October 2020.

The excitement of a fresh start, however, was met with many financial challenges. The fire at Moxie had wiped out the three large projects he had at the time, forcing him to restart from scratch and finish them before taking on new jobs.

Business was good and steady at the San Leandro shop despite the early COVID times, though the inability to share an indoor space meant that Aaron was unable to secure a tenant. The result was that the full weight of rent fell squarely on Aaron's shoulders. Even though each month brought an influx of work, he was also always chipping away at those past expenses. Combined with heavier-than-normal current expenses, he just couldn’t get ahead.

The Breaking Point

Aaron kept on going, finding a great tenant to help cover rent, and regularly working long hours. But, just as he started to catch up on bills, a particularly large and demanding job took an unexpected turn, requiring a substantial financial commitment. Without a financial buffer, he found himself more behind than ever, teetering on the brink of losing his woodworking haven.

After years of hard work and effort, Aaron now needs our collective support to keep his shop afloat. For the last few months, he’s been actively pursuing job opportunities, and once he secures a steady income, he'll be able to better cover his bills.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Aaron is shifting gears. He envisions maintaining the shop at a smaller scale in the evenings and on weekends, as he’s planning to start working a full-time day job. He’s currently applying to a number of positions. He’s also working to expand the shop space that he rents out, which will cut down on costs. In addition, he aims to bolster his woodworking business by creating a business website, expanding his online brand, and developing a marketing strategy.

Financial Needs: $11,000

Aaron urgently needs $5,000 to cover February's rent and $1,000 for a deferred electrical bill. We’d also like to raise another $5,000 to cover March rent, which will give him a chance to find, and then start a new job, plus have paychecks coming in. As well, it gives him time to expand tenancy and start doing expanded outreach for his shop.

Thank you for considering this. Every bit helps, and we appreciate any help you might be able to give. Together, we're not just keeping Aaron’s woodworking dream alive but giving it a strong shot at thriving.

With gratitude,

Nicole and Jamie James