Hilary's Story- Supporting Family and Creating Community

Hi guys! I’m Hilary, a newly divorced mom of four. After my divorce, my role as a mom has evolved. Until recently, I was the loving stay-at-home mom who took pride in raising my children, nurturing our home, and managing the farm. I devoted myself entirely to our family, ensuring that my children had the love and care they needed. But now, circumstances have changed, and I find myself stepping into a new role as the financial provider for my children. This transition has been incredibly overwhelming, but with your support, I know I can create a stable and secure future for them while nurturing our community as well. In this fast-paced, digital world, we all need a space where we can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I’ve spent years dreaming of opening a space where people can take a deep breath, relax, and truly connect with each other. After much hard work, dedication, and a lot of love, I’m finally taking the leap to turn my dream into a reality. This is my chance to build something beautiful for my family, my community, and for all of us who crave more meaningful connections in this fast-paced world.

Serving up Love, One Scoop at a Time! My dream shop:

I’m opening a cozy gelato cafe called “Hilary’s”—a space where the world slows down for just a little while. Imagine a place where you can step away from the chaos of our busy lives and enjoy an artisanal gelato or a perfectly executed cup of coffee and chat with friends, neighbors, or even a friendly stranger. I want this to be a place where people feel welcome, comfortable, and at home—a space that feels like a warm hug.

This will be more than just a sweet little café…it will be a hub of creativity, community, and conscious living. With a gift shop focused on sustainability, we’ll feature local vendors and eco-friendly products, reducing our collective carbon footprint while supporting small businesses. You’ll find curated one-of-a-kind items—beautiful, bespoke treasures that will help make your life just a little more meaningful. Varying price points make the perfect purchase possible for a wide range of buyers.

Why am I doing this?

As a mom, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to create spaces where we can all feel supported and connected. After my divorce, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what brings joy into my life. What I realized is that it’s the simple creating and sharing of genuine moments—the ones where you can sit down with loved ones, take a break, and just be. In a world where we’re constantly glued to screens and rushing around, those moments seem to be slipping away. I will host events which will enrich your lives and the lives of your families, from learning how to make eco-friendly products to story hour for your kiddos and so much more. When you walk into Hilary’s you will be able to tell right away I lead with my heart in all that I do… it’s the only way I know to be.

With my MBA and years of experience as a buyer of local goods, I’m ready to create something that reflects my passion for supporting community, sustainability, and bringing people together. I’ve worked hard to curate products and build relationships with local vendors who share my vision, and now it’s time to make this space come alive.

What will your donation help with?

Starting a business from the ground up is a huge challenge, but with your help, I can bring this dream to life. The funds will go toward:

Shop Construction & Renovation – Turning a space into a cozy, welcoming environment.

Equipment – Top-notch espresso machines, gelato equipment, and everything needed to serve you the best treats!

Local Vendors & Sustainable Supplies – Curating a selection of beautiful, eco-friendly, and locally-sourced products for our shop.

Marketing & Community Outreach – Spreading the word to let people know we’re here and ready to help them relax, enjoy, and connect.

Hiring & Training Staff – Hiring local talent who share the same passion for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for our customers.

How can you help?

Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful impact. Your support will help me create a space where people can truly unwind, connect with each other, and experience the joy of small, local businesses.

Why is this important to me?

Hilary's is not just about gelato, coffee, and quality gifts- it's about creating a space for our community to connect and share in each other's joy. Supporting the store creates a platform for a network of local artisans, while also allowing us to keep sustainability and the future of our world at the heart of everything we do. This space is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, there is beauty and love all around just waiting for us to enjoy. I invite you to be a part of this journey with us, as we come together to celebrate the things that truly matter. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us move one step closer to overcoming these challenges and starting a new chapter of hope and resilience. Thank you for being an integral part of our future and for coming on this little ride with me. Your support, your belief in this vision, and your love will make all the difference as I work to create something truly special for our community.

Let’s make this dream a reality together.

With much love and gratitude,

Hilary

**Please note per GoFundMe guidelines, no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or ROI are offered in exchange for any donations made to this or any GoFundMe fundraiser stories**