Hi, my name is Mercedes, and I’m the Community Engagement Director at 825 ARTS in Saint Paul’s Rondo/Frogtown community.

Sometimes, the people who become family aren’t connected to us by blood, they become family through love, generosity, and the ways they show up for their community. For us at 825 ARTS, Senait and Dawit Neway are family.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant is located right next door to 825 ARTS.

Senait and Dawit migrated to the Rondo/Frogtown community in the early 1990s and opened Demera in 2013. For more than a decade, they have been a beautiful part of our neighborhood and have poured so much love into the people around them.

When 825 ARTS didn’t have a building of our own, Senait and Dawit opened their doors to us. They allowed us to store things at Demera and supported us in ways that went far beyond business. They have been like an aunt and uncle to our organization and to so many people in the community. And if you know Demera, you already know, their food is healing! Their sambusa's have become a community favorite, bringing people together around a table and creating memories that go far beyond a meal.

Unfortunately, this year has been incredibly difficult for the Neway family. The ice surge severely impacted their business and created financial challenges that have left them behind on rent. At the same time, Dawit is now terminally ill and is currently in the hospital, creating an unimaginable emotional and financial burden for the family.

Now, it’s our turn to show up for them.

We are asking our community, friends, neighbors, organizations, and everyone who has ever enjoyed a meal at Demera or experienced Senait and Dawit’s kindness to come together and support this family.

Funds raised will help Senait and Dawit address their outstanding rent expenses and help with the medical expenses and other costs that are arising during this incredibly difficult time.

This isn’t just about saving a restaurant.

It’s about supporting people who have spent years supporting us.

It’s about remembering that community is a circle. When someone pours love into us, we have a responsibility to pour that love back when they need it most.

Please consider donating, sharing this fundraiser, and keeping Senait, Dawit, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

Every contribution matters. Every share matters. Every act of love matters.

Let’s show the Neway family that the Rondo/Frogtown community is standing with them. ❤️

With LOVE!


Mercedes
Community Engagement Director, 825 ARTS


#LoveIsPOWER