Four hundred people turned out Saturday for a benefit event at 27 Live to help workers who lost their jobs when three businesses on Davis Street in Evanston were destroyed by fire last month.
Organizers say the event, with performances from three bands, raised $12,000.
27 Live owner John Tasiopolous says, “It was so gratifying to see the community come out and support our neighbors and friends and the overwhelming response has been a humbling experience for all of us involved. Evanston is a very special community.”
The employees affected by the fire and Evanston’s firefighters were treated as VIPs on the upper level of 27 Live and attended the event free of charge.
Donations to the Davis Street Fire Fund are still being accepted by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce.
Taco Diablo staff says ‘Thank you’
The staff at Taco Diablo is so appreciative. At LuLu's and Taco Diablo we have always looked to hire, not the most experienced, but simply the friendliest, people. I think we have always succeeded in doing that. Overnight, without notice, all of them were put into a terrible situation, one they didn't cause or could have forseen. The response from the community has been so supportive, it proves that we not only hire good friendly people, but we opened our business in a community filled with good, friendly and generous people. From all my heart, thanks to every person and organization that put this event together and made it happen, amazing and truly touching. Thank you.