Save Scooter's Saab so they can get a job!

Hi, my name is Lauren! The short version of this is that I am fundraising for my very good friend, Scooter, so they can get their car's water pump replaced and drive themselves out of unemployment. The quote for repairs is $1,600. The goal for this fundraiser is $2,100 to help defeat the GoFundMe fees and to help Scooter secure transportation while their car is in the shop.

Keep reading for the long version!

Scooter works in film & television post-production in L.A. In June 2023, they lost their job during the WGA strike. Despite consistently applying and interviewing for work, they remain unemployed while the industry slowly recovers. Their unemployment benefits have expired and they are using the last of their savings and gig work to make ends meet.

The bright red 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear entered the picture in October 2022, purchased shortly after Scooter moved cross-country from the east coast to begin their life working as a post-production assistant and short film maker. It was a responsible choice: it was in good shape for its age and it fit Scooter's budget. They did need a car—L.A.'s public transportation scene is abysmal—but they also genuinely love this one. They want to keep driving it for as long as possible.

Currently, however, it's not driving much anywhere. The Saab needs a dreaded water pump replacement. Scooter spoke to four Saab mechanics in 2023. The last one, with 40 years' experience under his belt, told them that without the replacement, it is not safe to drive the car long distances.

So they've been sticking to super short, local drives. But recently, Scooter was given an incredible opportunity: they were accepted into the post-production industry's foremost mentorship program. The organization will pay the $3,000 cost of attending their annual tech retreat in late February. This is huge; networking there nearly guarantees a return to work, meaning Scooter can finally regain financial stability.

The problem is that the retreat is in Palm Springs, CA, a three-hour drive from where Scooter lives. A distance that would not be safe to drive without the aforementioned water pump replacement for the Saab. Due to the current lack of funds, Scooter cannot rent a safer car or purchase alternative transit to Palm Springs.

The quote for the repairs is $1,600. The goal for this fundraiser is $2,100 to help defeat the GoFundMe fees and to help Scooter secure transportation while their car is in the shop.

Please help my beloved friend. It feels important to tell you that Scooter would never have set this up themselves and never wanted to ask for money. It feels important to tell you that they have been throwing all the spaghetti at the figurative job wall, trying to get anything to stick. It feels important to tell you that Scooter is a good person, who cares deeply for everyone in their life and community, and who really, really needs this break. Even if you can't donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.