News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
In response to Wednesday’s Crawdaddy’s fire, a fellow Westside business has started a GoFundMe for employees.
Soul Craft Coffee, which neighbors the popular Cookeville restaurant, is behind the idea. C0-Owner Anna Dunn said after speaking with the community, finding an outlet to help became apparent.
“That is the thing about the Westside,” Dunn said. “We all band together. I mean we have been talking since early morning hours with each other, and how is everything? And, what do you know? I had numerous and numerous phone calls and text just what can we do to help.”
Dunn said the events of the fire are devastating as a business owner, especially with so many employees being displaced before Christmas. Dunn said all funds will go towards the holiday needs of families affected to the loss of income.
“My first thought is what are they going to do for Christmas,” Dunn said. “Christmas is next week and to be able to support them even in a small way is something that was on my heart, and I know is on our community’s heart. I am just kind of the catalyst to get it started. As their neighbor, and I know these guys, just to be able to help in a small way is important to me.”
Crawdaddy’s suffered minor interior fire damage with the courtyard, patio and back office suffering the most damage. The inside saw a mixture of water and smoke damage. The restaurant is indefinitely closed for now.
“One thing I can also say with complete certainty is that they (Crawdaddy’s Owners) are over comers,” Dunn said. “(…) We will look back and be able to find positives. Just like we found community in March with the tornadoes.”
The fund raiser can be found be searching “Christmas For Crawdaddy’s Employees” on GoFundMe.com.
