
Rebuild Golden Garden: Support Winnie & Shirley
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Please Help Rebuild GOLDEN GARDEN Chinese Restaurant Support Winnie & Shirley’s Dream
On the evening of April 17, 2025, a devastating fire tore through Golden Garden, a beloved Chinese restaurant by the falls in Pompton Lakes, NJ. In less than two hours, the livelihood of two young families—Winnie, Shirley and their husbands who worked at the restaurant, the hardworking owners, was reduced to ashes. A local favorite, known for its warm hospitality and delicious food, was more than a restaurant; it was a symbol of their American Dream. We urgently need your help to support these families as they face an unimaginable loss.
Winnie and Shirley's families immigrated from Southern China with big dreams. Like many immigrants, they started in the restaurant industry, working grueling hours to build a better life. In 2013, their hard work paid off when they took over Golden Garden in Pompton Lakes. With determination, they transformed it into a thriving business and a community favorite, all while raising three children, now students in Wayne public schools.
Running a restaurant is no easy feat. Winnie, Shirley and their husbands worked long hours, often 10-12 hours a day, with little time off. Their dedication meant sacrificing family time, with their kids missing out on school events, sports, and community activities.
On April 17, 2025, at around 9:15 PM, a fire engulfed Golden Garden, destroying everything Winnie and Shirley had built over 12 years. The flames claimed their business, their savings, and their sense of security. To make matters worse, when they started the restaurant, they opted for a minimal insurance policy to save costs—a decision that now leaves them with insufficient funds to rebuild. The families are devastated, facing an uncertain future without their primary source of income.
How You Can Help:
Winnie, Shirley, and their children are in desperate need of community support to rebuild their lives. We’ve launched this GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to help them:
• Cover immediate living expenses for their families.
• Pay off outstanding business debts.
• Begin the process of rebuilding Golden Garden or starting anew.
• Support their children’s education and well-being during this crisis.
Please donate and share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks to spread the word. Every donation counts!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Winnie and Shirley during their life-changing crisis. With your generosity, we can help them rebuild their dream.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathryn Spitz
Organizer
Wayne, NJ
Nong Yu Wang
Beneficiary