We've lost a community treasure

Update 2: Donors, thank you! Moving the goal out again in an attempt to contain this outpouring of love for Chris and the Barrio Bar.

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update! We are so close to our goal in less than a day that we have decided to push the goal to $30K in order to let as many folks as possible show their love. Thank you all who have already donated, and thank you Portland!

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Portland, this morning the Mercado was damaged by a fire that gutted the treasured Barrio Bar. (News)

Barrio has been part of the SE community for over a decade, and its owner, Chris Shimamoto, is one of the kindest and most generous humans on Earth. Through the Barrio, Chris has supported local businesses, artists, musicians, writers, chefs, non-profits, and more. His love of animals is legendary, and the Barrio was home to our pets who were as welcome as any paying patron. For all of us, Chris created a family atmosphere at the bar. The Barrio was a place everyone felt at home, and his many loyal regulars can attest to the hospitality they have enjoyed here for so many years.

As many of you will know, Chris dedicated his life to the Barrio and to the community he supported through the bar. Please support him by donating what you can to help Chris get back on his feet and move forward. Portland needs him--we need whatever he will do for this city when his heart mends enough to think about what that might be.