Let's help Marvin's co-workers.

If Marvin were alive, I know that he would be asking me how to help his co-workers.

There is an urgent situation and your help is needed. Recently, I was told by an employee at Rosebud Restaurant in Somerville, MA that it had been sold. We have enjoyed going to Rosebud for several reasons: my son Marvin worked there, one of Laura’s former students from SCALE works there, and the food and atmosphere are great. We were told that the new owners were going to make a few changes to the menu, so everything seemed fine.

However, last week the staff were told that the restaurant will close at the end of this month for a period of time and they will be laid off. Once the restaurant reopens, staff will need to reapply. In other words, there are no promises that they are going to be hired back. When Laura and I went there yesterday for lunch, one of the staff members teared up as she told us about the situation. Many of the approximately 50 employees will be able to apply for unemployment benefits, but about 20 of them will not qualify for those benefits. I am mad and sad about this situation. It reminds me of when I was working at my first job in a restaurant here in the States. The restaurant was sold, and the same thing happened to me. I was laid off and, because of my immigration status, I was not able to apply for unemployment benefits.

So, here I am asking for your help in alleviating some of the financial strain these Rosebud employees will be experiencing. My hope is to raise $10,000 - enough so that each staff member who is ineligible for unemployment benefits can have about a week’s salary.

The total raised will be divided and given to each of these unlucky human beings. I will also be contacting local non-profits like The Welcome Project, Greater Boston Legal Services, and other organizations to see how they can help.

If Marvin were alive, I know that he would be asking me how to help his co-workers. So here I am asking for your help. I deeply appreciate any amount you can donate.

With much Gratitude,