Family Owned Jewelry Store Looted & Vandalized
Donation protected
Our family has struggled with the idea of posting a GoFundMe for a few days because we recognize that it is now a crucial and focal time for #BlackLivesMatter and the fight for change in an unjust system, as well as a devastating time for those impacted by Covid-19. However, without any aid, we do not see a way to recover. We humbly ask for any help, as you are able and as you see fit.
On May 31, 2020, our 30-year-old family jewelry business was looted. Bullet-proof display cases shattered. Bits of glass and trash everywhere. Packaging and papers thrown in chaos on the floor. Jewelry repair station destroyed. Equipment ripped from the walls. Security system disconnected. Jewelry upon jewelry upon jewelry taken -- and even new jewelry recently stocked in displays in preparation of reopening (affected by COVID-19).
Our parents are immigrants. They have worked every single day from 10am - 7pm except for Sundays. They have struggled to survive and make a living with English as a second language. It is devastating and hopeless to see where they are now. As their children, we are heartbroken.
As a family-run, minority-owned business in South Chicago, we have worked with Kennedy-Kings College to help provide and distribute food baskets for those in need during Thanksgiving for 18 years. We have also helped raise funds and donate to scholarships for students in the Chicagoland area for several years.
During this time of uncertainty, we humbly ask for any help that would allow us to continue our family business. We understand that at this time many people are struggling, not just us, but we would be so grateful for any amount of donation as we look to the future and begin rebuilding. We are truly grateful for your support!
All of the funds raised will help us repair and rebuild our shop (ex: replacing display cases, new security system, and covering the physical damage on the store), as well as replacing the stolen merchandise.
We really appreciate any type of help we can receive! We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy. Thank you and God bless you!
Damage after looting:
About the Business & Owners:
Our Korean immigrant parents first opened the store in 1988 and our family has been a proud member of the community ever since. We are a family run, minority owned business and have been in the community for the past 32 years.For 18 years during Thanksgiving, we worked with Kennedy-Kings College to help provide and distribute food baskets for those in need. We also helped raise funds and donate to scholarships for students in the Chicagoland area for several years.
At this time last year, our father was suffering from chronic leg pain and decided to pass down ownership of the store to our uncle. (Myungman Park), though he is still a fixture for the shop. For the past 2 months, the store has been closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and our uncle was looking forward to opening again in early June. He stocked up on new inventory and was meticulously organizing pieces in the display cases in anticipation to encourage business when reopened. However, now that our store has been completely looted, we have to delay our reopening and are unsure if and when this will happen.
We feel for our community and understand that we are not alone in being affected. We are devastated for all those suffering loss. We personally am heartbroken for our parents and family, as it is difficult for us to see our family go through this. It is hard to fathom how difficult and anxious this time is for families that were affected harder. All the hard work, countless hours, dedication they put into creating and running a small business to support their families to just disappear like that has left us feeling hurt and scared for the families’ future.
Any type of help is greatly appreciated, whether it be through funds, sharing our story, prayer, etc. We thank you sincerely for taking the time to read through this.
If you have any advice, guidance, questions or concerns, you can reach us through GoFundMe.
Here are some photos of my parents and family to end on a positive and hopeful note.
(My uncle requests photos of him remain private)
On May 31, 2020, our 30-year-old family jewelry business was looted. Bullet-proof display cases shattered. Bits of glass and trash everywhere. Packaging and papers thrown in chaos on the floor. Jewelry repair station destroyed. Equipment ripped from the walls. Security system disconnected. Jewelry upon jewelry upon jewelry taken -- and even new jewelry recently stocked in displays in preparation of reopening (affected by COVID-19).
Our parents are immigrants. They have worked every single day from 10am - 7pm except for Sundays. They have struggled to survive and make a living with English as a second language. It is devastating and hopeless to see where they are now. As their children, we are heartbroken.
As a family-run, minority-owned business in South Chicago, we have worked with Kennedy-Kings College to help provide and distribute food baskets for those in need during Thanksgiving for 18 years. We have also helped raise funds and donate to scholarships for students in the Chicagoland area for several years.
During this time of uncertainty, we humbly ask for any help that would allow us to continue our family business. We understand that at this time many people are struggling, not just us, but we would be so grateful for any amount of donation as we look to the future and begin rebuilding. We are truly grateful for your support!
All of the funds raised will help us repair and rebuild our shop (ex: replacing display cases, new security system, and covering the physical damage on the store), as well as replacing the stolen merchandise.
We really appreciate any type of help we can receive! We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy. Thank you and God bless you!
Damage after looting:
About the Business & Owners:
Our Korean immigrant parents first opened the store in 1988 and our family has been a proud member of the community ever since. We are a family run, minority owned business and have been in the community for the past 32 years.For 18 years during Thanksgiving, we worked with Kennedy-Kings College to help provide and distribute food baskets for those in need. We also helped raise funds and donate to scholarships for students in the Chicagoland area for several years.
At this time last year, our father was suffering from chronic leg pain and decided to pass down ownership of the store to our uncle. (Myungman Park), though he is still a fixture for the shop. For the past 2 months, the store has been closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and our uncle was looking forward to opening again in early June. He stocked up on new inventory and was meticulously organizing pieces in the display cases in anticipation to encourage business when reopened. However, now that our store has been completely looted, we have to delay our reopening and are unsure if and when this will happen.
We feel for our community and understand that we are not alone in being affected. We are devastated for all those suffering loss. We personally am heartbroken for our parents and family, as it is difficult for us to see our family go through this. It is hard to fathom how difficult and anxious this time is for families that were affected harder. All the hard work, countless hours, dedication they put into creating and running a small business to support their families to just disappear like that has left us feeling hurt and scared for the families’ future.
Any type of help is greatly appreciated, whether it be through funds, sharing our story, prayer, etc. We thank you sincerely for taking the time to read through this.
If you have any advice, guidance, questions or concerns, you can reach us through GoFundMe.
Here are some photos of my parents and family to end on a positive and hopeful note.
(My uncle requests photos of him remain private)Fundraising team (3)
Esther Min
Organizer
Chicago, IL
Myung-man Park
Beneficiary
Grace Min
Team member
David Min
Team member
