CHICAGO (WLS) — In a heartening display of community spirit, the owners of a North Side establishment known for organizing charitable events and providing meals during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are now receiving support themselves. This comes in the wake of a costly break-in that left them with substantial damage.
At Olive Black, a popular bar in Lakeview, local residents are rallying to help. In the days leading up to Christmas, patrons are showing their appreciation for a business that truly captures the holiday spirit.
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“When people come together, it can make a huge difference. Despite the challenges in the world, there are so many more positives,” shared Jeremy Bressman, a customer of the bar.
In response to the recent burglary at the cocktail bar located near Lincoln and Southport, community members quickly organized a benefit night to lend a hand to Olive Black.
“They forced the door open, and their first target was the ATM,” recounted Wendy Prinn, one of the co-owners of Olive Black.
Security footage from last Thursday morning reveals four individuals, clad in masks and hoodies, shaking the ATM until it broke free from its bolts. They then carried it outside to a waiting vehicle.
“They weren’t leaving without that ATM,” Prinn said.
But bar owner Prinn says what happened next left her stunned. The thieves stole donated presents from beneath the bar’s giving tree. They were meant for families in need.
“They didn’t even grab the bags and go. They just kind of shuffled through them to figure out what was in them and took what they wanted,” Prinn said. “Why are you going to steal from babies? And that’s the majority of what was there, is baby clothes and diapers and things like that.”
So, on Tuesday, neighbors toasted the bar and replaced those gifts that were stolen.
“We need to just take care of each other,” said bar patron Carol Ann Bliss. “Out of bad always comes good. Well, not always, but typically, and it’s just important to give back.”
“My community has always been amazing, but they’ve stepped up even more this year,” Prinn said.
Prinn says the break-in has shaken her sense of safety, and so neighbors have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for a new security gate.
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