While attending the Vancouver school, Furniss met his mentor, veteran piano rebuilder and tool inventor Rick Patten.
“Rick took me under his wing as my mentor and has been teaching me the more intricate and complex aspects of rebuilding pianos,” said Furniss. “Rick has been waiting for the right person to come along to sell his shop to, so he can retire.”
That’s where Furniss is hoping the community can help. He recently launched a fundraising campaign on indiegogo (a popular crowd-funding website) with the goal of raising $15,000 by February 19 to purchase Patten’s shop.
“The [pianos] I’ve worked on are over a hundred years old and the shop I want to purchase is not only full of every tool any technician would need, but all the tools that need to be adapted for a blind person,” said Furniss.
At press time, Furniss was about half way to his $15,000 goal. Several businesses and local artists have donated artwork, money and raffle prizes to help support the project.
Business supporters include: Vancouver Food Co-Op; Heisen House Vineyard; Praise Yoga, Massage and Bodywork by April Chambers; Elemental Energy Massage; Wager Audio Services; and Compass Coffee.
“I think it’s important to support entrepreneurs with certain challenges because a lot of people with disabilities could just choose to live on disability,” said local photographer Anni Becker. “But, people like John found something that he loves and he is able to live independently, which is pretty amazing.”
To visit Furniss’ indiegogo page, click here.