History of the Hut

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Our Community Came Together

Planting the Seed…

Like the birth of Tranquility Shop, the Ginkgo Hut was a co-creation inspired by both the heart of the community, and Becky, owner and operator of Tranquility Shop. While in the shop, so many customers would say, “I wish you had a chair (hammock, sofa, bed…) so I could just stay and soak in the Tranquility.” At the same time, Becky was ready to expand the shop and wanted to offer more to her customers. While talking to her daughter, Jessica, Becky described her vision of creating a peaceful, nurturing space in which customers could sit down and have a restful moment with hot tea and refreshments, and Jessica said, “we can call it the Ginkgo Hut!” The seed had been planted, yet much fertilization was needed in the form of forethought, clarity, and saving money.

Two years later, Tranquility Shop was undergoing a major transformation. The shop was doubling in size into a newly purchased adjoining building which required extensive renovation. It was the perfect time to also make plans for the Ginkgo Hut tearoom, but there was a problem…there were only enough funds for the Tranquility Shop expansion. The tearoom would require its own renovations, equipment, furniture, and supplies, and while it felt like a bit of a crazy dream, Becky wondered if Tranquility Shop’s community of customers would be willing to participate in fundraising to raise all the money needed to make the hut happen.

A Community of Support

We reached out to our community for help, and they graciously responded with a tidal wave of love and support. Donation stars, t-shirts, giveaway baskets, and special events united our supporters, and day by day the pool of funds grew along with a tangible feeling of anticipation and excitement. Our fundraising effort called “Help us Grow the Ginkgo Hut” began in February, 2023 with a goal of $15,000 and in 10 months we had reached $15,200!

We can never thank our community enough for the massive amount of generosity and enthusiasm shown toward our tearoom dream. Your contributions created the Ginkgo Hut, and we can’t wait to see you here enjoying a restful moment for yourself!

The Ginkgo Hut Fundraising Hall of Fame

These are the fundraisers our community participated in to reach the goal! Not pictured are the countless single donations customers made at our checkout counter cash and coin donation box.

  • "We Want the Hut!" T-Shirt Preorders

    These one-time, special order t-shirts were only available until March 25th, 2023. Thank a “We Want the Hut” t-shirt wearer for spreading the word about the tea room every time they don the sacred garb! Have you spotted one in the wild yet?

    We Want the Hut T-Shirt orders raised $600 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • The Ginkgo Hut Donor Wall

    The Ginkgo Hut Donor Wall

    During our 10 month fundraising effort, Tranquility Shop's front door bulletin board transformed into a glittering starlit sky! If someone made a $5 or more donation at the checkout or on our website, they got to put a star on the board with their name and/or a special message. We were floored and inspired by the vast amount of stars that ended up bursting beyond the confines of the bulletin board. These golden stars live on in the Ginkgo Hut...see if you can find them when you visit!

  • The Ginkgo Hut Tea Party

    This “fun”raising event took place the evening of August 26th, 2023. Tea party ticket holders came together in the spirit of community, self-care, and excitement for the future tea room.

    Paula’s Ginkgo Hut treat samplings and tea were delicious! And thank you to the volunteers who lovingly contributed their talents so attendees could enjoy henna by Jessica, massage by Molly, tarot readings by Elizabeth, psychic readings by Melody, and Reiki energy by Ann.

    Thank you to everyone who attended this sold-out event!

    The Ginkgo Hut Tea Party raised $870 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • The "BIG Basket of Tranquility" Raffle

    In celebration of Tranquility Shop’s 8 Year Anniversary, we raffled a $300 basket of shop favs, with all proceeds going toward the Ginkgo Hut Fundraiser. Tickets were available for the entire month of October, and a winner was drawn on Facebook Live, October 31st.

    Conratulations to Logan, our basket winner!

    The BIG Basket of Tranquility Raffle raised $1585 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • The Iron Butterfly Raffle

    Tickets for this stunning handmade butterfly featuring exquisite agate stone were up for grabs from day one of the fundraiser! Tickets were available until December 12th, 2023 and the winner was drawn that evening on Facebook Live.

    Many people had their eye on this beauty, but there could only be one winner…congratulations Kalie!

    Thank you Patty Eschliman for generously donating the Iron Butterfly!

    The Iron Butterfly Raffle raised $1540 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • The Shiva Lingam Raffle

    Shiva Lingams are sacred stones from the Narmada River in India. This stone is considered one of the most transformative healing stones! Tickets were available until December 12th, 2023 and the winner was drawn that evening on Facebook Live.

    Congratulations on your win Devona!

    Thank you Steve Kakuske for generously donating the Shiva Lingam!

    The Shiva Lingam Raffle raised $305 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • The "Bigger, Bolder Basket" Raffle

    This raffle was the final push to get us to our fundraising goal of $15,000! It featured $500 worth of soul-centered items with all proceeds going toward the Ginkgo Hut Fundraiser. Tickets were available until December 12th, 2023 and the winner was drawn that evening on Facebook Live.

    Congratulations to Kim, our basket winner!

    The Bigger Basket of Tranquility Raffle raised $1800 toward the Ginkgo Hut.

  • Tranquility Shop VIP Grand Premiere

    The Grand Premiere was a wonderful success and raised $1,700 for the Ginkgo Hut! Thank you to everyone who attended.

    Ticket holders received purple carpet treatment during a special evening on Saturday, February 24th. They were the FIRST to see Tranquility Shop expanded into the new space and experienced private shopping, guided tour, Tranquility goody bag, and complimentary hot tea or coffee with celebratory Baklava, cherry cobbler, and Russian tea cakes.

  • Handmade Bookmarks by Paula

    Paula (future Ginkgo Hut baker and Becky's sister) created 10 bookmarks featuring colorful, joyful, soulful, one-of-kind art.

    Bookmarks were sold for $3 each and raised $30 for the Ginkgo Hut!