Please help us provide relief to those West Side Market vendors affected by the fire.
The West Side Market, in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, has become one of the city's great icons. For more than 100 years, the Market has been a hub for fine meats, fresh vegetables, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, and much more.
As a result of the fire, the Market vendors are faced with a myriad of issues. All food and packaging products on the main floor have been lost, and the inventory in the basement coolers is yet to be determined, as no one is permitted to enter this area. While the produce vendors are permitted to open, much of their equipment and products are still in the basement coolers, and without all of the stands up and running, attendance at the Market is at an all-time low.
In addition, vendors lost all of their peaked annual Super Bowl Sunday sales, which is key for many to pay their rent and sustain their business until the Easter season. While each of the vendors has liability insurance, many do not have coverage for their lost inventory, business interruption, or their employees' lost wages.
The City of Cleveland has quickly put its forces to bear to make the Market clean, safe, and running one hundred percent. A special thanks to Mayor Jackson, City Council, and Ohio City Incorporated, whose efforts and results have been remarkable, considering the scope of the damage. However, some of the vendors' needs exceed what the city has been able to provide.
By donating to this fund, you can be assured that the monies raised will aid in the Market vendors' recovery, and in the efforts to save the beloved West Side Market. Funds may also go toward replacing city funds previously dedicated for Market repairs. Individuals, businesses, and restaurants are encouraged to donate through this secure site, or at any First Merit branch. Your help is very much appreciated.
