Support The Colony Staff
Since JB's tragic murder, Brennan's Colony has been closed for 3 days and counting. The Colony staff includes many mothers, fathers, students, and Cleveland Heights residents. Each day the Colony is closed is a day these people: our servers, our chefs, our dishwashers, our hostesses, and our bartenders are losing their livelihood. Many of them rely on only this income to pay their expenses. Let's let their only struggle be to deal with the loss of JB and not how they will pay their bills. Our goal is intended to cover two weeks worth of wages for the staff of Brennan's Colony.
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A message from the staff:
In regards to the gofundme account put together to help the employees of Brennan's Colony who are without a job during this tragic time: as of two o'clock this afternoon there has been over $33,000 donated in less than a 24 hour span. $33,000 in 24 hours. If you ever question if you are living and raising a family in the right community, just think about that. If you ever question whether or not your neighbors share the same values of love and generosity, just think about that. We, at the Colony, would love to thank everyone that has contributed to and supported this cause. We want to thank all of the friends and strangers for their hugs and kind words, as well as thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. In our deepest of hearts, we know that our true thanks will come when we are able to reopen the doors to Brennan's Colony and invite everyone back to celebrate better times, to celebrate the legacy of Jim Brennan, a man who was able to go beyond the walls of his restaurant and the borders of his community to create a family. JB, you will be missed dearly in a way words cannot begin to describe. We are a Colony!
Thanks to all,
Aran Keenan and the entire Colony Family
In regards to the gofundme account put together to help the employees of Brennan's Colony who are without a job during this tragic time: as of two o'clock this afternoon there has been over $33,000 donated in less than a 24 hour span. $33,000 in 24 hours. If you ever question if you are living and raising a family in the right community, just think about that. If you ever question whether or not your neighbors share the same values of love and generosity, just think about that. We, at the Colony, would love to thank everyone that has contributed to and supported this cause. We want to thank all of the friends and strangers for their hugs and kind words, as well as thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. In our deepest of hearts, we know that our true thanks will come when we are able to reopen the doors to Brennan's Colony and invite everyone back to celebrate better times, to celebrate the legacy of Jim Brennan, a man who was able to go beyond the walls of his restaurant and the borders of his community to create a family. JB, you will be missed dearly in a way words cannot begin to describe. We are a Colony!
Thanks to all,
Aran Keenan and the entire Colony Family
Our family celebrated good times at the colony. My son -n-law J. Millard had his graduation party there and his engagement to Katelyn my dtr. there. Thanks for the great memories of family time.
"A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings" Pope John Paul II. It is obvious that the Cedar-Lee Community has a heart beat, a soul, that became united at a time of great tragedy to console each other and support those in need. And this is truly a blessing.
I've only lived in Cleveland for 11 years but The Colony quickly became my go to spot for dinners, drinks, carry-out, and hosting out of town friends. It has provided multiple monthly visits and a place where my kids have come to love. We have seen your faces for many years over. We are looking forward to laying our eyes on (and wrapping our arms around) all of you. The pulling together of this community makes me so incredibly proud to be able to call The Heights my home. Much love to all of you.
WE ARE A COLONY! I've been going to Brennan's for many years. Our family has spent countless hours around the tables. My brother asked his wife's father for her hand in marriage. My wife and I were lucky enough to spend to face to face time with JB for our engagement party The Colony was nice enough to host for us. I had my college graduation party there. When I spent 15 months in Iraq in 2003-2004 I wanted only two things: A pint of beer and a burger from Brennan's Colony. It's a home away from home. Thanks to the men and women that made it so special. And thanks to you, JB. It's because of you, WE ARE A COLONY!
I stopped in the Tavern last night to see if there was a way to help you all out-saw this fund when I got home. It's a real tribute to Jim Brennan that so many people are reaching as deep as they can to make sure all of you, the kids he surely loved, are all OK. And I pray in time, you all are.
The message from the staff was heartfelt. Our prayers are with you all. Brennan's is full of fun memories with family and friends. We'll focus on those times and we won't forget...
Prayers to all of you...so thrilled that this was started so that we could come together and support all of you at this time. Cleveland Heights is will always be home...no matter where I am in the world my heart always lives close to Lee Road. Love , Peace and Healing to all...We are all in this together!
Prayers to Jim's family at Brennan's Colony ... great place ... great people. This outpouring of generosity is what reaffirms that not all humanity is lost! Stay strong!
The generousity and community support that has been displayed in the wake of this tragedy is truly amazing. As I am writing, the amount donated so far is close to $35,000, easily exceeding the goal of $25,000 in less than 24 hours! It was suggested on various facebook pages that the vacant city owned space between Meadowbrook and Cedarbrook be dedicated as a community park to commemorate Jim Brennen, and the incredible community spirit that has followed. Brennen Park.....I can't think of a better way to to allocate some of the extra donated funds.
What a loss and reality check. I have been frequenting the Colony for the last 25 years with kids, friends, family. I was there every Thursday night with a wonderful group of girls and Aran would always have my diet coke with extra ice ready on the table. One could feel the sense of family and community that Jim provided. It was our go to place . How lucky we all are to have been part of the Colony- a neighborhood home "Where everyone knew your name." I live in Shaker Heights and consider the Cedar Lee area home. RIP Jim. What a mensch!
I'm so sorry about the loss of Jim Brennan. Although I never had the honor of meeting him, my heart hurts for all those who did lose him! I walked pass his restaurant many many times, and now I wish I had stopped in just once to meet this wonderful man that you all speak so highly about. I work just right down the street from Brennans Colony at Dewey's pizza. I wish this hadn't happened to him, but just know that his legacy will live on, and he will always be remembered within the Cleveland heights/university heights distinct. Again, sorry for your loss, and may you rest peacefully Mr. JB.
This is so heartwarming. It reminds me of the movie, it's a wonderful life!!!
I can't find the words to thank all of you. Not only for this but for hugs and kind words from the Cleveland Heights community. I'm not from here but have considered this home for the last 10 years. So thank you for truly proving why I call Cleveland Heights home.
Cleveland Hts is an amazing place to live and we hope Brennan's Colony reopens soon!! If people keep donating... maybe something to remember Jim could be placed inside the bar on a wall.... a commemorative plaque or something...Great Job!!!!
I am just overwhelmed. You all are so generous. I know the staff at Colony is taken aback by your support. If you have any questions about this campaign or how Rebecca and I will manage getting the funds into the hands of the employees, do not hesitate to post a comment and ask. We will answer! Also, please note that none of your contribution/donation is tax-deductible. I am pretty sure none of you give a damn about taking a deduction for your generous donation to support the staff, but I thought I'd mention just in case you were curious.
The families who came to support and lend helping hands we cant appreciate you enough we are a colony together we stand Jb would be grateful to everyone thank you for everything I am even more than proud to be part of jims legacy again I say thank you and god bless you all...... (sorry I hit post to soon im crying as I write this ) THANK YOU FROM THE BRENNANS COLONY FAMILY. .........Dave Jones.
Thank you doesn't say enough this is absolutely amazing I cant even begin to say how thankful we all are we all are to the community, contributors
WOW! This is truly amazing. On behalf of the entire Colony Family I would just love to send out a big thank you to all the individuals and families that have contributed and those that continue to do so. There is no doubt in my mind that JB is the proudest of patriarchs at this time and we are all so proud to be a part of such a generous and supportive community. I hope to see all of you in the coming days celebrating Jim's legacy so that I can thank you personally. We are a Colony! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! -AK
Thank you once again! Rebecca and I have been working closely with the Colony Staff. We have a list of current employees. This site will cut checks directly to the list of employees. We will be dividing the donated amount equally among the list of current staff. If you have any questions about this campaign or how we are managing it, do not hesitate to contact myself or Rebecca! Your support is so greatly appreciated by the entire Colony community.
Thank you!