Help "Hot Dog John" buy a new cart!
Donation protected
John Minda ("Hot Dog John") has been selling hot dogs in Indiana, PA since 2004. On June 25, 2015 his cart was destroyed in a collision. He was parked on the street at the front of a rear-ended multi vehicle collision . As a result, he is unable to continue selling for the forseeable future.
Why is this such an important fund? This cart business is John's primary souce of income and has supported him for over 10 years. The business started in 2004. Two years prior, John resigned from a human services position to take care of his wife (Jane Minda) who was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer despite being a life-long nonsmoker. As Jane went through treatments, they decided together that this business would be the key to John's life after she died. It would be his new business. His livelihood. His identity. When Jane died in 2004 (at the age of 59) he started selling. He faced many hurdles, as Indiana was not accustomed to having a street vendor. But in the coming years, he's become one of the most beloved and endearing people in Indiana, PA.
What do people say about John? An article published in 2012 did a story on John . One resident said "John Minda has added a lot to this town. He’s everybody’s friend.” On Yelp, the review says . "One of the nicest people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.” Hot Dog John is so popular and beloved in Indiana that last year for Halloween, a girl dressed up as him! Hot Dog John is an institution. And now he needs your help.
What can you do? Donate! $1, $20, $1000. A new cart is between $2000 and $4000. But there will be lost income, the cost of an inspection, etc. If John bought a new cart today, it could still be a month before he can sell, and the months of June and July are his busiest months with extra festivals and events. He needs this income. You can also help by sharing this page!
How will John use the funds? We've set the goal at $10,000. This will be used to buy a new cart and cover the cost of food inspection. Anything extra will be considered emergency income.
Why am I running this site? John is my father. He’s given over 10 years to his business and many decades to being a father. He is a Vietnam veteran and served with the US Navy (where he ran the galley of course). I’m setting this up to help give back to him.
Please consider donating and sharing this page to help "Hot Dog John" buy a new cart and continue his business!
Why is this such an important fund? This cart business is John's primary souce of income and has supported him for over 10 years. The business started in 2004. Two years prior, John resigned from a human services position to take care of his wife (Jane Minda) who was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer despite being a life-long nonsmoker. As Jane went through treatments, they decided together that this business would be the key to John's life after she died. It would be his new business. His livelihood. His identity. When Jane died in 2004 (at the age of 59) he started selling. He faced many hurdles, as Indiana was not accustomed to having a street vendor. But in the coming years, he's become one of the most beloved and endearing people in Indiana, PA.
What do people say about John? An article published in 2012 did a story on John . One resident said "John Minda has added a lot to this town. He’s everybody’s friend.” On Yelp, the review says . "One of the nicest people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.” Hot Dog John is so popular and beloved in Indiana that last year for Halloween, a girl dressed up as him! Hot Dog John is an institution. And now he needs your help.
What can you do? Donate! $1, $20, $1000. A new cart is between $2000 and $4000. But there will be lost income, the cost of an inspection, etc. If John bought a new cart today, it could still be a month before he can sell, and the months of June and July are his busiest months with extra festivals and events. He needs this income. You can also help by sharing this page!
How will John use the funds? We've set the goal at $10,000. This will be used to buy a new cart and cover the cost of food inspection. Anything extra will be considered emergency income.
Why am I running this site? John is my father. He’s given over 10 years to his business and many decades to being a father. He is a Vietnam veteran and served with the US Navy (where he ran the galley of course). I’m setting this up to help give back to him.
Please consider donating and sharing this page to help "Hot Dog John" buy a new cart and continue his business!
Organizer
Paul Minda
Organizer
Saltsburg, PA