Coming together for Oak Park

Neighbors, friends, family and loved ones,

 

This morning our neighborhood was hit with a disastrous fire that shook our little community, less than 48 hrs away from Thanksgiving. The fire started at Delia’s kitchen on Lake and quickly escalated to a multi alarm fire, destroying everything it came in contact with. Not only was the restaurant lost, but it took away the home of all the residents living above the restaurant. I sat there watching from my corner office window, fire truck after fire truck after fire truck arriving to rescue those in need. Our fearless first responders from Oak Park and Elmwood Park selflessly risked their lives to combat the flames no matter how difficult the challenge at hand was. It took hours to finally control the fire, a fire that wouldn’t back down no matter what.

 

It was then, when the smoke began to go clear, that we started getting details as to what had actually taken place. We found out, that as of this moment, there was one injured civilian who was thankfully treated on the scene for only minor injuries. And despite being grateful that there were no casualties that resulted from the fire, it breaks my heart to realize that Delia’s has been completely lost. The thought of every person and family impacted by today’s events so close to the Thanksgiving holiday moves my heart and soul to tears. In a time when so many are already struggling due to the pandemic, rising living costs and so many other challenges…to think about so many people that have lost their jobs now, unable to fulfill their holidays plans, having to find other means of survival until they get their feet situated is a weight so heavy on my spirit that I felt compelled to do something to help.

 

So, I’m reaching out to my networks and inner circle to rally together for Oak Park and our fellow neighbors. This campaign’s main goal is to assist all of the employees who have been left without a means to provide for themselves and their families. To prove that what is meant to destroy us can be used to bring us together and be there for someone in their time of greatest need. I will be reaching out to Delia’s management team tomorrow to gather a true head count of their team and will post updates accordingly.

 

It goes without saying, that every penny and dollar counts. Nothing is too small. If every one of us donates a dollar and shares this campaign, I know in my heart that we can make a difference in their lives at a time when they are feeling alone and in need. If nothing else, a reminder through our actions that there is still love in this world. As I sit here fighting my tears, I choose to believe in the good that we all have within us, in the spirit of humanity and in the love that makes all things possible.

 

Help me, help them…by choosing love today ❤️