I wish it hadn’t come to this but my love, Kobe, was unexpectedly detained over a week ago and our family is now facing a very difficult and uncertain time. He is not only my partner - he is also a loving and devoted father to our little girl who misses him very much. This separation has affected our entire family, emotionally and financially, as I am trying to keep life stable for our daughter while also trying to navigate the sad reality of life without him here.

Kobe left his country (Laos) over 40 years ago. He came here to the US with his entire family to build a life from scratch in hopes of a better future. Now he’s being sent back to the same country with no family and no support system waiting for him. I am not only trying to navigate this painful separation - I am trying to help him prepare to start over, alone, in a country where he has no one.

All donations will help cover legal cost, a warm meal, a safe place to stay and a chance to start over for the first 6 months to a year.

If you’ve ever crossed paths with Kobe - at an event, at our restaurant, as a friend, a family member, or even as part of our community - you know he has a kind heart, a strong work ethic, and how much his family means to him.

Any contribution, no matter how small will help. If you’re unable to donate at this time - please share this page.

You can also support us by visiting Ginger Cafe in Ramsey, MN. Dining in or taking food to go supports everything Kobe and I have worked so hard to build.

Venmo is also welcome.

Venmo #: May Sayasone or @Souksamay-Ellis

Thank you for standing with our family during this painful and uncertain time. Your kindness and support mean everything.