On Sunday, December 27, around one in the morning, a fire destroyed the inside of Casita Tex-Mex Bar & Grill in Dallas, Texas. Fortunately, no one was in the restaurant when the fire happened because Norma Rocha Valles, the owner, and my friend, closed early on Saturday night.

Norma is now dealing with insurance adjusters and Fire investigators who are trying to determine what caused the blaze that started near the kitchen. But she is more worried about her 13 employees: cooks, servers, and the hostess. They counted on their tips and wages from Casita Tex-Mex to pay their bills and feed their families.



With this GoFundMe, we can help her employees survive until Norma finds a Plan B and rebuilds the business she opened in 2007.

Norma and her staff were already struggling because of the pandemic and the changing COVID19 regulations in Texas. She has managed to keep the doors open. This fire just made things worse.

Many of Norma's friends would tell you she is one of the most giving women we know. When a nonprofit or grassroots effort needs a donation, she is always the one who says, "how much?" When you need an item for a fundraiser. Norma is quick to donate gift cards to her restaurant. When there are funds needed for scholarships for students. Norma is very generous because she believes in a good education. On the first Tuesday of every month, veterans are treated to a free special meal at Casita Tex-Mex, because Norma believes in honoring the men and women who have served our country.

(Photo: Norma and veterans at Casita Tex-Mex)

Please give any amount you can donate.

Let's help Norma and her staff get back on their feet. Let's help them start 2021 with lots of hope.  Please donate any amount you can afford. Together we can help Norma and her staff survive and thrive.