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Authentisign ID: 6C092315-BC4E-EF11-86C3-0022482708E1 <br />STORIES <br />July 30, 2024 <br />foundation <br />Sean Sullivan - Economic Development Manager <br />Dear Sean, <br />1 first would like to thank you, your staff and the City of Ramsey for your willingness to work for and with <br />Stories Foundation as we pursued the construction of The StoryTeller Cafe in Ramsey. It was a project <br />that we both envisioned a different ending for. It appears that it is concluding in a manner that we knew <br />could happen — and worked hard to prevent it from happening. Thank you for all you did. <br />The next step for Stories Foundation is to exercise the Right of Re -Entry process. As we were pursuing <br />any and all options to raise funds, the cost of construction increased and this caused us to take a realistic <br />approach to this project. Our hearts say that we should continue moving forward with fundraising until the <br />end of the year, but logic says otherwise and that now is the time to take this step. <br />As a part of this process, Stories Foundation is requesting that the full purchase price of $67,953.60 as <br />stated in the purchase agreement between the City of Ramsey and Stories Foundation be refunded to <br />Stories Foundation, <br />Stories Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization that is in constant fundraising mode. The <br />fundraising efforts for The StoryTeller Cafe have involved many people and countless hours that began <br />before we secured the land in Ramsey. It certainly is not because of lack of effort that the funds have not <br />been raised to begin construction. The following is not an exhaustive list, but does provide a picture into <br />the fundraising efforts that have been made: Numerous events; Galas, golf tournaments, silent auctions, <br />Stories Foundation Markets, 5K runs. Stories Foundation/The StoryTeller Cafe has been on multiple TV <br />stations including WCCO channel 4, KSTP channel 9 and local station CCX TV. Social media -- Facebook <br />and Instagram. Hundreds of phone conversations and emails. Awareness events and gatherings for <br />anyone, anywhere. In addition to the above information, we believe it is important to note that Stories <br />Foundation has invested dose to $85,000 (lot price is not included in this number) in General Contractor <br />fees, property taxes, and prep money for events listed above. These monies were spent in good faith for <br />the project that no longer is a reality, and monies that will not be recouped. <br />We humbly ask that the EDA and the City of Ramsey would honor our request of a full refund of the <br />purchase price. <br />With Gratitude, <br />[Authenti <br />teph�uie Page <br />Stephanie Page <br />Executive Director - Stories Foundation <br />CAuthenti <br />Mark Thurston <br />Vice Chairman - Board of Directors <br />www.storiesfoundation.org <br />500 W Main Street Suite 23 Anoka, MN 55303 <br />612.268.1937 <br />