Buxton's Store is Closing—Help Create a New Community Space!
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Buxton's Store is Closing—Help Create a New Community Space!
UPDATE!
We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support for our community since this was announced! Check out the news coverage of this project from around the state:
https://brandonreporter.com/2024/10/09/were-burying-a-57-year-old-family-member-buxtons-in-orwell-to-close/
What's Happening?
For over 50 years, Buxton's Store has been the heart and soul of Orwell, Vermont. Now, as Buxton’s prepares to close its doors, our town has the opportunity to preserve this vital building at the center of our town and let the community decide what happens next—not the highest bidder.
We started this GoFundMe to help buy the time needed for a community nonprofit to get the grants necessary to buy the building.
If that is successful, the nonprofit will work with the community to determine what goes in that space. There are a lot of different possibilities—there could be a store, a cafe, a community kitchen—or something that we haven’t even thought of.
That’s what this is all about, letting Orwell make that decision—not the highest bidder.
Orwell would not be the first town to do this. Benson recently got a grant to rebuild their General Store. Albany, in the Northeast Kingdom, bought their old closed General Store, fixed it up, and now rent it to the owners of the Craftsbury Store. West Townshend, near Brattleboro, operates their old General Store as a combination sandwich shop, store, and community center, with a lot of different activities happening throughout the year.
This is why Andy and Mary are behind this idea, because they want to see Orwell make the final decision about what is next for this space.
If this project doesn’t succeed, the only person who will decide what happens to our village center is the one who brings the most money to the table.
So if you believe in communities controlling their own destiny, if you believe in a vibrant village center, and if you believe that the heart of our village is not be for sale, give now.
What Your Donation Will Support
Securing the necessary grants to complete the purchase will take time. This GoFundMe aims to:
- Cover building expenses such as mortgage, taxes, electric, heat, and insurance, while our community group secures grant funding. The store will remain closed during this time so the money can go as far as possible.
- Assist in paying off other business expenses related to the closure of the store, such as obligations to vendors and creditors.
Our total fundraising goal is $103,000. No matter if we are able to complete this project or not, and no matter if our community nonprofit is able to buy the building or not, whatever money that is raised by this GoFundMe will go directly to Andy and Mary Buxton for the sole purpose of helping to pay the business expenses discussed above.
How the Funds Break Down
- $35,725 will cover 3 months.
- $58,150 will cover 6 months.
- $80,575 will cover 9 months.
- $103,000 will cover 12 months.
Every dollar brings us closer to preserving this cherished community landmark.
Will the Store Remain Open?
No. Unfortunately, regardless of how much money we raise, Buxton's Store will close on October 31st. However, with your support, we aim to ultimately reopen the building as a community center, ensuring that the spirit of Buxton’s lives on.
About the Nonprofit Effort
After their closure announcement, Andy and Mary were approached by State Representative and attorney Joseph Andriano, along with other committed community members, interested in forming a nonprofit organization. The mission will be to purchase, renovate, and reopen the building as a community center. This group is dedicated to working closely with the community to develop a plan that honors the legacy of Buxton's Store and meets the needs of the community. Please note that since we are not yet a nonprofit, donations are not tax deductible.
Is This Guaranteed?
No. We are hopeful, but this endeavor requires significant effort and funding. We're diligently exploring every possible funding source to make this vision a reality, but we can't do it without your help. Again, no matter if we are able to complete this project or not, and no matter if our community nonprofit is able to buy the building or not, whatever money that is raised by this GoFundMe will go directly to Andy and Mary Buxton for the sole purpose of helping to pay the business expenses discussed above. No money will be returned to donors.
Donate Today and Make a Difference
If you believe in preserving community spaces and supporting our village center and our neighbors, please consider donating. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our town.
Thank you!
Organizer
Joseph Andriano
Organizer
Orwell, VT