Cloud City Ice Cream raises $38,000 to cover $60,000 funding gap

Bryan Gilbert is seeking $60,000 in public donations to keep Cloud City Ice Cream operating in Portland's Woodstock neighborhood. The small-batch shop launched a GoFundMe campaign on Tuesday, October 27, after exhausting its personal savings to cover costs for the last two summer seasons. As of Wednesday, October 28, the campaign had collected nearly $38,000.

A major equipment failure in 2024 forced the shop to close temporarily, disrupting the peak earning months. Gilbert stated in his post that the loss of summer income placed the business in a difficult financial position. He noted that current loan options are not sustainable for long-term recovery, prompting the shift toward a crowdfunding model.

Gilbert admitted he wished he had considered a public funding campaign earlier in the shop's history. He described the process of asking for financial help as challenging. The owner has relied on personal funds to bridge the gap since the equipment breakdown, but those reserves are now gone.

The shop opened in 2011 after Gilbert learned his mother, whom he called his best friend, was battling cancer. He felt the local ice cream culture in their neighborhood was fading. His mother passed away the day before he signed the lease and opened the doors. Gilbert described the business as a tribute to her and expressed hope that she would be proud of its existence.

Gilbert has served the Woodstock community for 15 summers. He said the team is honored to have been part of the neighborhood and wants to remain for several more years. He expressed gratitude to the customers who have supported the shop during its fifteen years of operation.

Cloud City Ice Cream is located at 4525 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. The shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m.