On September 27, 2024 Hurricane Helene unleashed devastation throughout the entire southeastern part of the country. For many this natural disaster upended their daily lives and livelihoods. Simpl Cafe located in Newport, TN is one of many businesses affected by Helene which sustained substantial damage due to flood waters. Kendale Ball, a Newport native, is a proud husband/father and the owner of Simpl Cafe. Opening their doors in June of this year to the great people of Newport, Simpl was quickly becoming a local staple in downtown. Unfortunately, Kendale along with many others are rebuilding to once again serve the residents of Newport after the recent widespread flooding. Rebuilding has seen its setbacks, including an impaired driver crashing their car into the front porch of Simpl causing significant damage to exterior posts, tables, chairs and other items that were being salvaged from the flood and stored in the front of the business. The biggest setback, however, is due to insurance claims for their much needed equipment being denied. Initial estimates to replace these items such as refrigeration, ice machine and an espresso machine are in the $50-$60,000 range. This has been a substantial blow for Simpl Cafe to reopen their doors as quickly as possible. There has already been an overwhelming amount of support throughout the entire community businesses helping businesses - neighbors helping neighbors with the common goal of returning Newport back to what it was before Helene. I’m asking a community that has already given so much if they can find it in their hearts to give just a little more. To provide an additional amount of support for a fellow Newport native and business owner who wants nothing more than to reopen his doors so he can serve his community once again.

I’m asking as Kendale’s brother in law (Samuel Nichols) for your assistance to help Simpl Cafe get closer to reopening its doors. All donations will be spent on purchasing equipment, supplies, indoor and outdoor furniture and other items that were destroyed and denied coverage by insurance.