Help Get "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon" Back on the Road & Save My Dream!

Hello everyone,

My name is Rick Dern, and I'm reaching out with a heavy heart but also with hope, as I navigate a challenging time for my new business, "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon," and my personal life.

Starting "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon" has been a lifelong dream, and last year I poured everything I had into making it a reality. I sold my house, invested all the proceeds into purchasing the food trailer, and even moved in with a generous friend to make this dream happen. My friend and my sister have been incredibly supportive, helping with initial setup costs, a countertop freezer for the trailer, and even food supplies when things were tight. Their kindness has been immense, and I am eternally grateful.

The journey of starting a small business is never easy, and the past year has presented significant hurdles. During the slower winter months, when the food trailer was closed, I worked tirelessly, creating and delivering meals to the elderly each day just to make ends meet. Even after the Chuck Wagon opened for the regular season, I continued this meal delivery service because it was so vital to those I serve. However, just this week, due to the transportation issues caused by losing my car, I sadly had to inform these individuals that I would no longer be able to deliver their meals. This was an incredibly difficult conversation, and it highlights how deeply this situation impacts not just me, but vulnerable members of our community here in Weiser.

"Come & Get It Chuck Wagon" isn't just a business to me; it's a passion, and it's become a beloved part of the Weiser community. So many of you have shared your appreciation for the food, the friendly service, and the unique addition the Chuck Wagon brings to our town. Hearing how much you enjoy our meals truly fills my heart. The thought of losing this business, which I've poured my entire life into, and knowing it would be a loss for the community that has embraced it so warmly, is devastating.

The biggest challenge has just hit: I've lost my car. Due to the financial strain of getting the business off the ground, I fell behind on car payments. Despite trying to work with them, my car was repossessed. I still owe approximately $15,000 on the vehicle, and to get it out of impound, I urgently need to come up with about $2,500.

This situation is critical. If I can't retrieve the car, it will be sent to auction, likely selling for far less than what I owe. This would result in a substantial deficit, leading to a lawsuit against me for the remaining balance. With my limited resources, paying such a judgment would be impossible, leaving my cherished food trailer, "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon," as the only asset they could seize to cover the debt. Losing the trailer would mean losing my business, my livelihood, and the dream I've worked so hard to build, and it would mean the loss of a local establishment that many of you have come to love.

How Your Support Will Help

Every dollar raised will directly go towards:

Retrieving my car from impound: The immediate $2,500 needed to prevent it from going to auction.

Covering remaining car debt: Any additional funds would help reduce the outstanding balance, preventing a lawsuit and safeguarding my business.

Supporting "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon": Ensuring I can continue to operate and serve our community.

This car is not just personal transportation; it's essential for sourcing supplies, getting to events, and keeping "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon" operational. Without it, the future of my business is truly at risk, and Weiser would lose a local favorite and the valuable meal delivery service.

I am pouring my heart and soul into "Come & Get It Chuck Wagon," and I believe in its future. I am asking for your support during this critical time to help me save my business and avoid devastating financial ruin.

No amount is too small, and every share makes a difference. If you're unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing my story with your network. Your kindness and generosity would mean the world to me and help me keep my dream alive for myself and for our wonderful community.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story and for any support you can offer.

With immense gratitude,

Rick Dern

Owner, Come & Get It Chuck Wagon