As words of sympathy and support continue to pour in for Elena’s Soul Lounge, which was seriously damaged by fire on Monday, we are passing along information on the first fundraiser for this popular Baltimore Avenue spot. The fundraiser Jam Session/Concert to raise money for Elena’s Soul Lounge will be held this Friday, Dec. 28 at Major Events Banquet Hall, 5075 Lancaster Ave, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. The fundraiser is hosted by IM3Media that helped organize Hidden Soul Wednesdays at Elena’s. More information is available here (Facebook page).
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December 26th, 2012 at 11:43 am
Will there be a separate fund set aside for the employees?
December 26th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
LETS MAKE SURE THIS MONEY GOES TO THE EMPLOYEES
December 27th, 2012 at 5:09 am
Just a reminder: (1) businesses carry insurance; and (2) employees can apply for unemployment compensation. However, I’m sure the employees would appreciate some financial assistance to tide them over until their first unemployment check arrives.
December 27th, 2012 at 9:47 am
Yes. Let’s take care of the employees. Absolutely and especially financially.
But I’m also hopeful that a new Elena’s can emerge from the ashes.
Elena’s provided a meeting place for all walks of life where the true character (s) of West Philly was nourished and visible and people could not only stand side by side relaxed and proud, but also take the opportunity to make acquaintance with those who live next door to us but are not exactly like us. Not sure if anyone shares my sense of how important such a place is in a neighborhood like ours, but for me it’s huge.
Notwithstanding, mac n cheese and greens…AND music…
Ask yourself, “Can I really live without that?”
December 27th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Sure, employees can file for unemployment, but its important to consider that unemployment is based on hourly wage. Bartenders generally pull in $3 an hour. I’m pretty sure that unemployment isn’t based on tips. The money raised should be handed over to the employees, because insurance will surely cover the owners expenses.
December 27th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
I agree that it’s unlikely the building insurance or unemployment insurance will cover all of the owners or employees costs. A polite request to the fundraiser’s organizers that there be a separate donation fund for employees is fine. Demanding that the proceeds for a fundraiser you aren’t organizing go specifically and only to the employees is out of line. I’ll be going tomorrow and I want to give money to the owner AND the employees. It’s important to me to help Algernong rebuild this neighborhood institution and get back to employing people.
It seems that a couple commenters here are trying to impose some kind of owner vs. employees dichotomy and anyone familiar Elena’s knows it isn’t that kind of place.
December 27th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Fundraising should be transparent and accountable.
December 27th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Nice to see that neighbors want to help out. Maybe this blog can refund what Elena’s paid to advertise here or donate that money to the benefit.
December 27th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
This fire was an unexpected surprise to everyone and I am certain no one involved – not owners, not employees – was fully prepared to deal with this. Ever have your car broken into? Did insurance cover it? Did it still cost you money & time dealing with it? Now multiply that by 100. I feel for everyone who is forced to deal with this and I want to help my friends & neighbors get back on solid footing as quickly as possible. I just want to show another perspective. This is going to cost many people money, time and elbow grease to get back to the new normal. Let’s just come together to offer support to make it happen.
December 28th, 2012 at 9:49 am
No good deed goes unpunished.
December 28th, 2012 at 10:36 am
Thos, we’re just wondering the deed will be. On that subject, there seems to be radio silence.
December 28th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Yes, how dare people organizing a Friday fundraiser in response to a Monday tragedy (with a holiday in the interim) not respond instantly to comments on a neighborhood blog!
I would not be surprised at all to find out that none of the commenters here have actually reached out to the organizers. Whole lot of talkers, not a lot of doers, on here.
December 28th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Anonymous, the organizers are (1) asking for money, (2) in a bad economy, (3) right after Christmas gift-giving, (4) without telling people anything about how the money will be used, (5) while their anonymous proxies emote and express outrage that anyone would DARE to ask any questions.
Take a hike.
December 28th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Tim, you took the time to write the above but not to contact the organizers, am I right?
December 28th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I did contact the organizers via their FaceBook page. Here’s what was said:
Me: “many neighbors and friends of Elena’s Soul have questions about where the money raised will go. can you shed some light on that?”
Izzy Ike (CEO of IM3Media – who is organizing the event):
“The owner he is not looking for money but the music community just wants to give something… I’m not event sure if money will be raised… It’s Free willing giving…”
December 30th, 2012 at 12:02 am
I am saddened to see the discontent here. For me, it’s like arguing at a funeral. I did not ask for a fundraiser, although I had to appreciate the sentiment. I posted on the organizers facebook page immediately, that I would prefer that it not take place. Then, I had to understand that maybe the fundraiser was not about helping me, but helping people mourn the loss and show support how they saw fit. Please, for the sake of others going through a sense of loss,be positive. There are plenty of opportunities to help others here. In the spirit, of Elena’s Soul, let us seek to have unity, despite our differences.
December 30th, 2012 at 11:22 am
The bright side is that people want to help – – good luck Al!
December 30th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
there are probably 30-40 people out of work. garys nails employees were probably off the books and cedar park cafe waitresses were paid0$only tips=no unemployment funds .fundraising could be very helpful for these people.