Dear all,

You did it! We raised more than $150,000, exceeding our target of $148,000. You helped save Wilson’s of Wickford! Thank you for your contributions, support, encouragement, and for sharing your stories of how much the store means to you. Thank you to our neighbors in Wickford. Thank you to our many friends. We are amazed and humbled by your generosity.

We have loved being a part of the community and a part of your lives for 70 years. Because of you the future begins today. We can’t wait.

The Wilson’s and staff

We have an unusual and unorthodox request. For those who know us, this is an uncomfortable request and not easy to ask.

We know the tough economic times that we have all faced. One of the hardest hit areas has been retail businesses and especially independently owned stores like Wilson’s of Wickford. In addition, many of you are familiar with the battle with the bank which has been very expensive and has literally cost the family hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Wilson’s of Wickford has been a mainstay on Brown Street, Wickford Village, and North Kingstown since 1944. For 70 years our family owned business has offered quality merchandise, friendly personal service, and value with an emphasis on American made apparel.

We have downsized, kept up with both economic and apparel trends, and persevered. We are no longer in a position to do this alone and are asking for your help.

Our vendors have been patient, but need to be paid before they will ship new fall merchandise. The deadline for payments is July 31st. If Wilson’s is unable to raise the money, the store will likely cease operations sometime in August.

Our target for this donation campaign is $148,000, a huge ask, but the amount necessary to fix the situation. We have chosen Crowdtilt, an innovative community fund raising company to help with this campaign. This will allow the store to restock the shelves with new merchandise from familiar friends like Tommy Bahama, Woolrich, and others as well as add new exciting lines and products. In addition, we know our customers are mobile and for the first time we would be able to sell online. Also, we will purchase new accounting and point of sale software to increase efficiency.

We enjoy what we do and for 70 years it has been our privilege to be a part of the lives of our community and state. Please keep in mind the thousands of wonderful, hardworking people in small business in our town and throughout our state when making purchases.

Your contribution regardless of size is most appreciated.

Some things to note:

**If $148,000 is not raised by Monday, July 28th the campaign will be cancelled due to the payment to vendor deadline.

**Your donation will not be processed by Crowdtilt until we reach or tilt our goal.

**By donating to this cause, you acknowledge that you are aware that this contribution is a gift. Your financial donation, regardless of value, is not tax deductible, nor does it entitle yourself or any of your relatives to special entitlement to or at Wilson’s of Wickford including an ownership interest, expectation of return or profit, or any other pecuniary interest of advantage. The donation is a gift and a leap of faith.

Thank you for your business and friendship, as well as your consideration.

All the best,

The Wilson’s and staff

P.S. The inspiration for this effort comes from a store in the Midwest that was essentially saved by the community using Crowdtilt.