When Mona Newbauer dreams, she dreams big. Before a crowd of 60 people Monday night, Newbauer, owner of Sweet Mona’s Chocolates, described her effort to buy and renovate the two-story, 5,025 square foot building on the corner of First and Anthes in Langley. The building, formerly Mike’s Place, is an anchor building in Langley that has been empty for over a year. Her desire is to bring the building back to life and create the Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique and Chocolate Hotel. She initiated the F.U.N. campaign to help that effort and others faced with business challenges.

“The I believe in F.U.N. campaign began after realizing how difficult the whole process of buying, renovating, building and expanding a business would be for one woman or one business alone,” she said. Through Indiegogo, an online fundraising campaign, Newbauer has until July 15 to reach her goal of raising over $1 million. Ten percent of that money will go to a fund to assist other businesses revitalize the Langley downtown core and create a collaborative marketing campaign.

“I have a dream, but I can’t build this dream alone,” Newbauer said.

The cost to buy the building is $365,000, far below market value, she said. The renovation process would cost an estimated $700,000 to bring the building to code, which includes remodeling the stairway and adding a sprinkler and alarm system.

She was joined by John Joynt, realtor for Windermere, Eric Richmond, of Flat Rock Productions, Ed Gemkow of Gemkow Construction, Cindy Wilbert, P.A., Elizabeth Guss, and many others who are willing to join with Newbauer.

Newbauer invites others to join her in whatever capacity they can.

“I love Langley and I hope others who feel as I do will join me,” she said.

To contribute, go to http://igg.me/at/FUN or donate locally at the US Bank “I believe in F.U.N.” account. For more information, call Newbauer at 360-221-2728.