East Village Association donates to three COVID-19 relief efforts

Social distancing can not stop social responsibility, as EVA proves

A donation of $3,000 divided between three organizations is how the East Village Association (EVA) community organization is reaching out to ease the many losses and economic impacts so many community residents and businesses are experiencing during this COVID-19 epidemic. 

The organizations are: 

• Arts for Illinois: The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund provides support for artists and performers impacted by COVID-19;
• The Lee Initiative: Working in collaboration with the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group Charities, The Lee Initiative is providing food support for Chicago-based restaurant and foodservice workers unable to work during this crisis; and
• iBIO COVID-19 PPE Response Fund: The iBIO COVID-19 PPE Response Fund coordinates direct purchase of protective medical products to support Illinois-based healthcare workers and first responders. 

“We selected these charities for their direct impact on those most impacted by this crisis,” said John Gantner, EVA President. “Our mission as an organization is to ‘to work together for the common good of the community with a positive community spirit’ and this seemed like the best way to achieve that goal in these challenging times.” 

"If there ever was a time to spend the membership dues that we have been collecting for the last several years, now was the time," said Michael Van Dam, outgoing EVA President. 

"Their financial support for our program to feed restaurant workers will go a long way in ensuring we are able to continue for the duration of this crisis,” says Scott Weiner, co-founder of the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, whose area businesses include Roots and West Town Bakery.Having hosted and supported many community based organizations and events over the years, Scott Weiner and Greg Mohr are getting help from the community as they reach out to support others in the food industry and neighborhood, as reported in Our Urban Times.

EVA was founded in 1982 as a Chicago neighborhood organization in the West Town community. Its boundaries are Milwaukee Ave. on the east, Damen Ave. on the west, Chicago Ave. on the south and Division St. on the north.

Membership in the organization is $15 a year for an individual or $20 for a household. More information can be found on their website.