Fund-raiser keeps doors open

Neighborhood residents came together on Sept. 29 to hold a fund-raiser to save Betsy’s Back Porch.

A handwritten sign posted on the door the day after the event told it all; “Because of your hard work, energy and contributions, we hope to be able to serve you for many years to come.” Another sign was even more optimistic. It said, “Help wanted.”

An estimated 800 people attended the day-long party, raising more than $8,000. “People are amazing,” Killian said. “We had people working all day. People brought things for a silent auction, musicians played the entire time—all volunteers.”

“People in this neighborhood want to see this area thrive and they support independent business. They don’t want to lose their community,” she explained.
She admits that there is no miracle one-day cure. She says she’ll need an estimated $50,000 to survive until the highway ramps open in the spring. Whether her coffee shop is still operating next September depends on customers frequenting her establishment despite detours and parking problems.