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Efforts to help displaced Main Street employees soar past $400K mark

Main street in SLC with Whiskey Street and White Horse (Gastronomic SLC)

Following last week’s destructive fire that demolished the heart of the city’s hospitality scene, the community response has been definitive. An official fundraiser to support affected workers was launched immediately. Within 24 hours, the fund had gathered more than $55,000. Skip forward to today, and that figure has ballooned to $430,000.

Speaking about the rapid response, Mayor Erin Mendenhall wrote, “The donations are proof of the values we share as Salt Lakers—courage, action, and generosity. We know that when tragedy strikes, community is always the answer. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, and to the Downtown Alliance for quickly mobilizing this fund to support our residents in need.”

In the past week, I’ve spied multiple efforts to help drive the funding North. Social media groups have lit up like a Christmas tree, offering open positions to those in need of extra shifts. Melancholy in the Post District provided a number of drink specials, with proceeds going directly to the fund; while Carson Kitchen announced that all profits (Aug 18th – 24th) will be donated to the fund. I

This Monday evening (August 18th), a number of restaurants and bars are hosting an impromptu crawl to raise funds. Water Witch, Bar Nohm, Central 9th Market, Scion Cider, The Green Room, Thieves Guild Cidery, Melancholy, Bar X, and Beer Bar are all taking part. Swing by one or more, and get your wallet out. Check out the listed names on social media (here’s an example from the Witch) to see their exact activities and offerings. Expect many more such events to pop up, I’ll continue to share as I hear about them.

Of course, another way to support Main Street employees is to visit the affected area and spend some cold, hard cash. Felt, Aker, Bodega, The Rest, and Cheers 2 You are all back on their feet and welcoming guests. I stopped by several of those names this weekend, and was heartened to see the crowds flocking back to support. Moreso impressive -the hard work poured into opening those doors so fast. Over at Felt, chef and co-owner Travis Herbert detailed a fourteen-hour marathon prep session to get the kitchen back open; the business losing power, resulting in a complete loss of food.

A goal of $500,000 remains the target for fundraising efforts, which is according to the Downtown Alliance is based on basic living expenses for the individuals impacted by the fire.

“The generosity of this community is inspiring,” says Dee Brewer, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. “We moved from sharing tears on Main Street to arranging resources for displaced servers in a matter of hours. We’ve heard from donors across the city and beyond, all united in making sure these workers can bridge this unexpected gap and get back to work.”

In a followup news release Brewer said that if the Downtown Alliance can complete the $500,000 fundraising goal this week that all funds will be paid out to displaced employees by the end of the month.  These assistance funds will help pay employees living expenses this month as they look for their next job. Employees are being contacted through their employers to make disbursement arrangements.  Employees should contact their employer for direction.

The official Downtown Alliance fundraiser page can be found here. 100% of your donation will go directly to helping these employees cover essential expenses—rent, groceries, transportation—during this difficult time.

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