Hello. My story is the same as many others' at this junction in time, but for the time being, my challenge feels insurmountable. I started, own, and operate a micro business (it's just me). Let's Meet in Alaska took root just before the pandemic. I have pulled it through a global pandemic only to face a crisis that never had to happen: I was set to not only come back, but to have the best season ever in 2025: trips featuring iconic leaders (well-known authors leading writing retreats, such as Paul Theroux and Jedidiah Jenkins, as examples). Unfortunately, my promotional period for 2025 lined up exactly with the 2024 election, the following inauguration, forthcoming crazy cabinet appointments, LA catching on fire, and the Republican crashing of the stock market. This resulted in over half of my 2025 events (only 5 to begin with) being canceled for lack of registration. Potential attendees told me during this window of registration that they wanted to come to Alaska and really wanted to do it with one of my bespoke adventures... but could not commit until they were more certain about their retirement holdings and social security. 150 spots were available for 2025. Only 12 spots were purchased. MAGA is on track to kill the small business I've been working for, for over the past 7 years.

I'm putting together a pass-the-hat to create a funding bridge for me. The terms are great. Contributors will receive their donations back this year, plus a coupon matching their amount for a future Alaska retreat or an RV caravan to Alaska. Future retreats include writing workshops (one led by Cheryl Strayed), nature sketching (by John Muir Laws outside of Denali), a health and wellness retreat managing midlife changes for women, and fishing trips (from which attendees can bring home hundreds of pounds of fish they catch). The RV caravan departs every May from Washington for a 10-day drive to Alaska.

Please consider pitching in. My company has outstanding reviews and is holding trips in Alaska which are the only ones of its type, statewide. Thanks in advance for considering this ask.