2020 Capital Campaign Recap, Reflections & One Last Request!

This has not been an easy year for our community. As one owner-investor put it, “2020 has been a real bear,” but that hasn’t stopped us from moving forward. Our Co-op is as strong and resilient as its owners, and together we launched a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to open our store. In this moment, we know we have to do more than just keep the dream alive, it’s time to make it a reality!

Yesterday marked the end of our 2020 Capital Campaign. Our volunteers finished their last calls and we tallied our numbers. Collectively, we have raised over $200,000 in pledged loans and gifts! Our owners have pledged $192,000 in loans and $8,590 in gifts. And, as of today, we have received $146,000 in loans and $7,140 in gifts. Over the last six weeks, there has been overwhelming commitment and generosity from owners who have volunteered their time to this campaign. From making calls and sending emails, to writing songs and recording videos, it’s never been clearer what a talented and powerful ownership Silverton Food Co-op has. Thanks to our volunteers’ efforts and the financial investments and donations received from our owners, we have reached a new milestone. We are beyond grateful to the owners who have stepped up to invest and donate to the Co-op - thank you!

And yet, there is still a long way to go. We’ve reached 24% of our goal of raising the $850,000 in loans and gifts needed to open our store. And we’re just $8,000 short of the minimum owner loan amount required, $200,000.  It is not too late to make your contribution to the Co-op! You can become an owner, make your owner loan or gift a contribution to the Co-op.  You can also ask a friend to become an owner or give the gift of ownership for the holidays. Your support is critical to the success of our Co-op!

In the coming weeks, the Board of Directors will be meeting and consulting with owners to evaluate our progress and identify potential next steps for the Co-op. As always, we will be sure to communicate and share openly with our entire membership, and we welcome your questions, suggestions, and ideas for moving forward!

In the meantime, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating our progress and giving thanks. We are so grateful to our owners who have invested, made a donation, and volunteered their time to help in this campaign! 

Thank you,

Kelly Hilton, Cayla Catino, Marc van Anda, Flora Guiterrez, Becky Gilliam, Micole Olivas-Leyva