Urgent: Help Emily Get Back on the Road

My name is Benjamin, and I'm reaching out to you on behalf of my sister, Emily and her husband, Jeremy. Emily is not just my sister; she's my role model, an ambitious entrepreneur who has built two businesses from the ground up – Meadowlark Equestrian Center and Seven Magpies Pottery. She is the hardest-working person I know. Her dedication to her passion inspired my own journey to self-employment, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

Early morning on Thursday, April 11, Emily and Jeremy’s Ford F-150 was stolen from their driveway in the Northwest Ann Arbor/Northfield Township area. Because Emily’s iPad was inside, the police were able to track it as far as Detroit, but have little hope of recovering it. When she purchased it nearly a year ago, it was a major investment into her businesses, costing her $14,000. This theft wasn't just about losing a vehicle; it was a violation of their sense of security and has left them feeling deeply unsettled.

Inside the truck was Emily’s wallet, her ipad, and other valuables including the professional-grade tent she had just purchased for her booths at the many art fairs she attends. Luckily she was able to freeze all of her financial accounts before the thieves could make use of her wallet.

Emily’s truck played a critical role in her businesses, and unfortunately her insurance will not cover the theft.

In addition to being a vital mode of daily transportation, Emily used the truck in her equestrian business to transport horses and equipment to and from events, as well as in case of veterinary emergencies, when horses have to be transported to MSU for life-saving care - often at the drop of a hat.

In her pottery business, attending and exhibiting at art fairs around the state is an enormous aspect of how Emily introduces her art to new pottery lovers, and accounts for the majority of her business’ income. Use of her truck allowed her to transport not only her inventory, but tents, tables, shelving, display cases and all the things that make her booth a joy to explore.

Unfortunately, the theft has had a severe financial impact on Emily. While she’s currently focused on cutting herself slack and taking care of herself, she'll soon need to assess the full extent of the damage to her businesses and make plans for the future.

I'm reaching out to her friends, her family, followers of her amazing ceramics work and members of the amazing Meadowlark community that she and her business partner have built in hopes of helping alleviate the financial burden caused by this theft.

Any support, whether through donations or sharing this campaign, is deeply appreciated. My hope is we are able to raise funds to lighten the impact of this financially crippling event and help her to soon enough afford to replace her truck.