We're telling our story while we're still living it.
A personal introduction to the circumstances, the lessons, and the decision to move forward together.
First, We Protect Our Family.
Before we can rebuild the dream, we must establish stability at home.
$15,000
Mortgage back pay
$6,000
Property and sewage taxes
$5,000
Medical needs
$10,000
Living expenses until Shari graduates
$9,000
Household Repairs
FIRST MILESTONE: $45,000
This is where our recovery begins.
A dream that grew.
A season that tested everything.
We know you're wondering how we got here
1
The Calling
Building a theater festival and creating opportunities for artists in Philadelphia.
2
The Expansion
The 2025 Jasai Theater Festival grew into a larger undertaking, creating commitments that exceeded available resources.
3
The Breaking Point
Lost income, mounting obligations, and the possibility of losing our home required difficult conversations.
4
The Turning Point
Honesty, faith, renewed family relationships, and community support encouraged a different path forward.
Two Perspectives. One Journey.
Two People. Two Perspectives. One Marriage.
One of us was pursuing a vision. Both of us were living with the consequences.
Now we're learning how to pursue our dreams together, with greater honesty, wisdom, communication, accountability, and faith.
We cannot change how our story began.
But through the decisions we make together, we can change how we move forward.
CAMPAIGN PROGRESS
10,000 Hoodies. $250,000. One Journey.
Our campaign goal is to generate $250,000 in verified net proceeds from merchandise sales and participating partnerships. These proceeds are intended to support immediate household stability, outstanding obligations, professional financial guidance, responsible reserves, and future creative work. We will share progress updates so supporters can understand how the journey is unfolding.
$250,000
The progress tracker reflects verified net proceeds, not total merchandise sales.
How Proceeds Will Be Used
1st - Family stabilization $45,000
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2nd - Business tax obligations $50,000
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3rd - Remaining theater festival staff $30,000
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4th - CPA, accountant & attorney $30,000
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5th - Reserve fund & asset allocation $10,000
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6th - Next Jasai Theater Festival $60,000
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7th - Building fund contribution $25,000
The Story Continues Every Sunday
There's Purpose in the Pain Podcast
Weekly Sunday updates
Join us for honest conversations about the week we've experienced, the progress we've made, the lessons we're learning, and the challenges that remain.
Items Sold
10
Net Proceeds To Date
$150
The purpose beyond this campaign.
The Purpose In The Pain
The Book
Jasai Theater Festival
A future Jasai Theater Festival built on a more sustainable financial foundation.
Your Pain Has Purspose
Speaking Tour
The Theater Vision
The long-term goal of a permanent creative home for artists in Philadelphia.
Honest Answers To Fair Questions