Please re-share! - Help Cairo survive COVID19
Donation protected
Help us to Lift up Cairo Ale House and Oasis Café to make it through the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic!
Disclaimer: This fundraiser has been funded and organized by friends of Cairo Ale House and Oasis Café owners: the Massih Family. The Massih family was hesitant to go this route of public fundraising but with a little pushing by those who want to see the family make it through the effects of this unprecedented 100 year pandemic, they've agreed to accept our help and are cooperating with the efforts.
Over the last 15 years Cairo and Family have provided a venue for thousands of local artists to grow, and has provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Through March, April, and May - Cairo has incurred $45,000 worth of expenses and has been unable to operate as an Event Venue. This is without paying themselves anything.
Through June, July, and August, the ability to host live shows is very questionable. This means the potential of a $90k loss, and countless hours spent all without pay.
Without help, it makes the most sense for the family to close the businesses right now to minimize loss.
We are friend of Cairo, and we don't want to see this happen. We want to help. We want to lift Cairo up.
The family has always operated the venue modestly taking care of the artists and the community. They've given the community a great place for people to meet, encourage creativity, and have a provided a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in the Western Suburbs.
We're launching a fundraiser and we're asking for $90,000.
UPDATE: I'm updating the target to be $39,797 to reflect funds collected through other channels, and a reduction in rent (please read updates for story).
Yep – that’s a lot.
But if you consider that over 10,000 concert attendees enjoyed art at Cairo in 2019, if each of those were willing to donate just $9, we would hit our goal.
Can you donate $9 and share this post? It really could be that easy.
I'm personally providing the first $1,000, so make that $89,000.
UPDATE: I'm updating the target to be $39,797 to reflect funds collected through other channels, and a reduction in rent (please read updates for story).
We’re sure you have questions. Here are the important details:
Do they really need $90K?
To be honest, maybe not. It’s really tough to know how much for sure. Because $90K would cover all non-employee/payroll liabilities for 6 months, and employees are not needed until business returns: this is a really safe goal, but keep reading…
Will Cairo be doing anything to reduce expenses so that they won't need $90k to survive this?
Yes! The following actions are currently in the works, and will continue to be done even if fundraising succeeds:
• An effort to negotiate a reduced rent for a period of up to 18 months.
•Forgiveness on March, April, and May's rent.
• An effort to acquire federal assistance through a relief loan. (They've already applied and are reviewing the fine print about personal liability and if any of it can be forgiven).
• An effort to get just about every other business expense reduced is being worked on, but it's a long and sometimes emotionally draining process.
Are we going to be asking for money again in 2 months?
No. We set this goal to be conservative and cover 6 months of operating costs, and we’re confident that after Cairo is allowed to operate again even if it’s a slow start, business will come back. Unlike other venues that are asking for some help, we’re not planning to ask every month.
Where is this money going to go?
This money will be used to pay legitimate business expenses such as Rent, Music Licensing fees, State Fees, Local fees, Utilities, Service providers, etc. A very small amount may be used to provide some payroll to the family and others that are assisting the business, but most of this will go to non-staff liabilities.
What if they don't make enough and need to close anyway?
If we don't raise enough money, an honest effort will be made to return unused funds to the individuals who contributed. (Remember that if you Donate anonymously, we won't know who that is). We'll focus our efforts on getting money back to anyone who donates more than $100 first. Smaller donations will be redirected to a COVID relief fund of our choosing. A local relief will be preferred.
What does the fundraiser involve?
1. This GoFundMe page. Sharing this page would make a huge difference!
2. Live-streamed events featuring artist who have rallied for the cause!
THURSDAY MAY 28th: 8PM - Midnight
Swampwoofer Presents: SwampSauce Digital Sauce II
· Insp3cter
· Munfunka
· Bucknasty
· Mr. Polo
· Live Painting by Tom Loranz
· Visual Stage Design by Kliqs
· Fire and Flow performances by The Deadly Sins
SATURDAY JUNE 6th: 6PM - Midnight
The Bands of Cairo's Past - V2
· The Secret Lives
· Consume The Divide
· Paranoid Justice
· Four HorseMyn
· Very special content by the Lift Up Cairo team
FRIDAY JUNE 12th 8PM through SUNDAY JUNE 14th
Swampwoofer Presents: Cairo-thon 48 hour livestream
· Get in touch to submit content at [email redacted]
· More detail coming soon!
SATURDAY JUNE 20th
Paved and Confused Picnic at the Cairo Ale House Parking Lot!
· Live-streamed and live!
· We'll have a full outdoor stage setup for this event!
· We'll have a limited number of tickets for live outdoor socially distant attendance available.
· More Details to come
What else can you do to contribute?
• Share this fundraiser!
• Record up to a 30 second long video clip and send it to us to be edited and included in live stream content!! Dropbox to the email below would be the best way to send us videos. MP4 formatting is ideal, but we can try to work with other file types.
What do you get for contributing?
Throughout working with the Massih's they've insisted they want to give something to anyone that contributes. There has been talk about special shows. There has been talk about a dunk tank to make Tony take a plunge every time a donation comes in. There has been talks of ice bucket challenges. There have been talks of putting together little memorabilia boxes. There have been talks of future shows exclusive to contributors, or lifelong discounts to show covers.
We've encouraged the Massih family not to make any promises just yet, that all we want for our efforts is for them to stay open to throw shows again when it becomes safe to do so. We're *sure* that they'll come up with something on top of that, but really family: We just want you to stay open. Okay fine, maybe an ice bucket challenge on stream isn't such a bad idea.
What happens if we collect more money than they need?
If we collect more than $90k, or if it turns out it won't take $90k to save the business, any excess money will be spent on improving the business and making future experiences better for everyone. Maybe they'll be able to use this downtime to replace worn out furniture or refloor the dance room and stage? What they won't use it for is personal compensation.
How will Cairo adapt to this new post-COVID-19 world?
Moving forward Cairo is looking at live streaming a lot of the shows that take place at Cairo. During a transition period where attendance will be limited to 100 people, anyone who doesn't get a ticket will have the opportunity to participate online via twitch and discord. After it's safe to pack the room again, if the demand exists online attendance may remain a thing!
Can you make a direct contribution?
Making a contribution through either the Live Streams or the GoFundMe pages will show others that this is a cause that is important to you. As such, there is some value in running donations through that service. That being said, if you would like to contribute a large amount, you can contact us using the below contact information.
How can you contact the organizers of this event?
We’ve set up a custom email for the organizers to collaborate with contributors at
[email redacted]
#SmallBusinessRelief
Disclaimer: This fundraiser has been funded and organized by friends of Cairo Ale House and Oasis Café owners: the Massih Family. The Massih family was hesitant to go this route of public fundraising but with a little pushing by those who want to see the family make it through the effects of this unprecedented 100 year pandemic, they've agreed to accept our help and are cooperating with the efforts.
Over the last 15 years Cairo and Family have provided a venue for thousands of local artists to grow, and has provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Through March, April, and May - Cairo has incurred $45,000 worth of expenses and has been unable to operate as an Event Venue. This is without paying themselves anything.
Through June, July, and August, the ability to host live shows is very questionable. This means the potential of a $90k loss, and countless hours spent all without pay.
Without help, it makes the most sense for the family to close the businesses right now to minimize loss.
We are friend of Cairo, and we don't want to see this happen. We want to help. We want to lift Cairo up.
The family has always operated the venue modestly taking care of the artists and the community. They've given the community a great place for people to meet, encourage creativity, and have a provided a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in the Western Suburbs.
We're launching a fundraiser and we're asking for $90,000.
UPDATE: I'm updating the target to be $39,797 to reflect funds collected through other channels, and a reduction in rent (please read updates for story).
Yep – that’s a lot.
But if you consider that over 10,000 concert attendees enjoyed art at Cairo in 2019, if each of those were willing to donate just $9, we would hit our goal.
Can you donate $9 and share this post? It really could be that easy.
I'm personally providing the first $1,000, so make that $89,000.
UPDATE: I'm updating the target to be $39,797 to reflect funds collected through other channels, and a reduction in rent (please read updates for story).
We’re sure you have questions. Here are the important details:
Do they really need $90K?
To be honest, maybe not. It’s really tough to know how much for sure. Because $90K would cover all non-employee/payroll liabilities for 6 months, and employees are not needed until business returns: this is a really safe goal, but keep reading…
Will Cairo be doing anything to reduce expenses so that they won't need $90k to survive this?
Yes! The following actions are currently in the works, and will continue to be done even if fundraising succeeds:
• An effort to negotiate a reduced rent for a period of up to 18 months.
•Forgiveness on March, April, and May's rent.
• An effort to acquire federal assistance through a relief loan. (They've already applied and are reviewing the fine print about personal liability and if any of it can be forgiven).
• An effort to get just about every other business expense reduced is being worked on, but it's a long and sometimes emotionally draining process.
Are we going to be asking for money again in 2 months?
No. We set this goal to be conservative and cover 6 months of operating costs, and we’re confident that after Cairo is allowed to operate again even if it’s a slow start, business will come back. Unlike other venues that are asking for some help, we’re not planning to ask every month.
Where is this money going to go?
This money will be used to pay legitimate business expenses such as Rent, Music Licensing fees, State Fees, Local fees, Utilities, Service providers, etc. A very small amount may be used to provide some payroll to the family and others that are assisting the business, but most of this will go to non-staff liabilities.
What if they don't make enough and need to close anyway?
If we don't raise enough money, an honest effort will be made to return unused funds to the individuals who contributed. (Remember that if you Donate anonymously, we won't know who that is). We'll focus our efforts on getting money back to anyone who donates more than $100 first. Smaller donations will be redirected to a COVID relief fund of our choosing. A local relief will be preferred.
What does the fundraiser involve?
1. This GoFundMe page. Sharing this page would make a huge difference!
2. Live-streamed events featuring artist who have rallied for the cause!
THURSDAY MAY 28th: 8PM - Midnight
Swampwoofer Presents: SwampSauce Digital Sauce II
· Insp3cter
· Munfunka
· Bucknasty
· Mr. Polo
· Live Painting by Tom Loranz
· Visual Stage Design by Kliqs
· Fire and Flow performances by The Deadly Sins
SATURDAY JUNE 6th: 6PM - Midnight
The Bands of Cairo's Past - V2
· The Secret Lives
· Consume The Divide
· Paranoid Justice
· Four HorseMyn
· Very special content by the Lift Up Cairo team
FRIDAY JUNE 12th 8PM through SUNDAY JUNE 14th
Swampwoofer Presents: Cairo-thon 48 hour livestream
· Get in touch to submit content at [email redacted]
· More detail coming soon!
SATURDAY JUNE 20th
Paved and Confused Picnic at the Cairo Ale House Parking Lot!
· Live-streamed and live!
· We'll have a full outdoor stage setup for this event!
· We'll have a limited number of tickets for live outdoor socially distant attendance available.
· More Details to come
What else can you do to contribute?
• Share this fundraiser!
• Record up to a 30 second long video clip and send it to us to be edited and included in live stream content!! Dropbox to the email below would be the best way to send us videos. MP4 formatting is ideal, but we can try to work with other file types.
What do you get for contributing?
Throughout working with the Massih's they've insisted they want to give something to anyone that contributes. There has been talk about special shows. There has been talk about a dunk tank to make Tony take a plunge every time a donation comes in. There has been talks of ice bucket challenges. There have been talks of putting together little memorabilia boxes. There have been talks of future shows exclusive to contributors, or lifelong discounts to show covers.
We've encouraged the Massih family not to make any promises just yet, that all we want for our efforts is for them to stay open to throw shows again when it becomes safe to do so. We're *sure* that they'll come up with something on top of that, but really family: We just want you to stay open. Okay fine, maybe an ice bucket challenge on stream isn't such a bad idea.
What happens if we collect more money than they need?
If we collect more than $90k, or if it turns out it won't take $90k to save the business, any excess money will be spent on improving the business and making future experiences better for everyone. Maybe they'll be able to use this downtime to replace worn out furniture or refloor the dance room and stage? What they won't use it for is personal compensation.
How will Cairo adapt to this new post-COVID-19 world?
Moving forward Cairo is looking at live streaming a lot of the shows that take place at Cairo. During a transition period where attendance will be limited to 100 people, anyone who doesn't get a ticket will have the opportunity to participate online via twitch and discord. After it's safe to pack the room again, if the demand exists online attendance may remain a thing!
Can you make a direct contribution?
Making a contribution through either the Live Streams or the GoFundMe pages will show others that this is a cause that is important to you. As such, there is some value in running donations through that service. That being said, if you would like to contribute a large amount, you can contact us using the below contact information.
How can you contact the organizers of this event?
We’ve set up a custom email for the organizers to collaborate with contributors at
[email redacted]
#SmallBusinessRelief
Co-organizers (3)
Matthew W. Christenson
Organizer
Geneva, IL
Anthony Massih
Beneficiary
Andrew Massih
Co-organizer
Joe Jennings
Co-organizer