Val says 'Thanks'

Word got out last November that the iconic Val's halla Records was hurting. Thanks to a number of supporters, Val's is keeping the music alive.

In a letter to those fans, owner Val Camilletti expressed her gratitude for an effort that brought in more than $14,000 and allowed the shop to pay off some debt and bring in new inventory.

"Your contagious enthusiasm has energized Shayne and I and carried us into the new year with renewed hope and a concrete vision for a successful future," Camilletti wrote.

In the letter she explained that when she shared her fears about the future of Val's, she learned she had "troops" to rally behind her and the shop. This includes the roughly 100 people who attended a fundraising house party hosted by Sue and Jim Gill and Melissa and Leif Elsmo and the countless others who donated online and in person.

"I was, and still am, overwhelmed with gratitude and am finally convinced, eight weeks later, that a 'Val's halla Troop' really does exist," Camilletti wrote.

Camilletti plans to establish a membership option that provides special store benefits and other perks. But for now, the focus is on phase two of backing the future of the record shop by reconfiguring the store and adding a performance space.