Many neighbors have been asking how they can help businesses and employees affected by the Christmas Eve fire near 49th and Baltimore and its aftermath. The fire destroyed Elena’s Soul Lounge and its demolition in the following days damaged two adjacent, popular business storefronts – Gary’s Nails and Cedar Park Cafe. On Friday, January 25, Cedar Park Neighbors and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (Facebook page) are inviting everyone who wants to support these businesses to a community event held from 7-10 p.m. at The Cedar Works, the new community-oriented work and meeting space located at 4919 Pentridge Avenue. Donations for the affected businesses will be accepted at the door.
The event will include music and food & drink from local businesses. It’s also a great chance to meet and socialize with your neighbors and friends.
Here’s a Facebook page for the event where you can confirm if you’re coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/310834425703338/.
Also, if you are available to volunteer that night setting up or staffing the door, please email Michael Froehlich at: michaelrfroehlich@gmail.com.
UPDATE: Those who would like to donate to the businesses and employees affected by the Baltimore Avenue fire you can do so until Wednesday, Jan. 30 by going to the “Donate” section of the Cedar Park Neighbors website: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/general-donation/ (indicate in the comments section that this is for the “Baltimore Avenue fire fund”).
January 22nd, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Does anyone know whether this will be kid-friendly?
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:17 am
Any word on whether the demolition company is liable for damage to Cafe or Gary’s? I know at the time there was evidence that especially the cafe was not damaged by the initial fire, but rather by faulty demolition which dropped an entire wall through their roof.
I’m excited to help fundraise, but want to make sure that they’re also getting appropriate reimbursement from responsible parties since that will go a lot further than individual contributions.
January 23rd, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Hi all, Michael Froehlich, the president of Cedar Park Neighbors & one of the organizers of the event, here.
Q: “Does anyone know whether this will be kid-friendly?”
A: I’m planning on bringing my 3-year-old daughter for the beginning of it.
Q: “Any word on whether the demolition company is liable for damage to Cafe or Gary’s?”
A: We’ve been in touch with Min Lee of the Diner. To my knowledge, this is still being worked out. I would be very surprised if the owners of the businesses did not pursue all legal options available to them.
See you Friday night.
January 24th, 2013 at 9:54 am
What if we can’t make it, but would like to donate? Is anyone accepting donations on behalf of the businesses?
January 24th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@Lynn – Please contact Michael Froehlich: michaelrfroehlich@gmail.com
January 25th, 2013 at 9:41 am
If folks can’t make the event—or even if you can–and you want to make contributions to those affected by the fire online, you can visit the donate section of the Cedar Park Neighbors website: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/general-donation/.
Please indicate in the comments section that contributions are for the “Baltimore Avenue fire fund” and please make your contributions by Weds, Jan 30. Thanks!
June 29th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Is gary nails ever going to reopen. They are really missed getting my feet airbrushed with designs I hate hand painted design they don’t last and look good as long. Where are they working now I would love to know!!! We need them back in the cedar community swore they would repen before the summer months.