Save Polka Dot: A Family’s Fight to Keep a Dream Alive.

Save Polka Dot: A Family’s Fight to Keep a Dream Alive.

In 1996, Mariusz and Marzena Parys, Polish immigrants chasing the American dream, took a leap of faith. With hard work and unwavering hope, they opened Polski Deli Market, a humble shop offering the beloved tastes of their homeland. For the Parys family, this wasn’t just a business; it was a labor of love, a way to bring people together through the comforting flavors of Poland.

Mariusz poured his heart into the deli, while Marzena balanced running the business and raising their three young children, Adam, Gabby, and Antoni. It was a dream they built together, brick by brick, with love as their foundation.

But in 2005, tragedy struck, and their world was forever changed.

A Family Shattered, A Dream Left in Marzena’s Hands

When Mariusz passed away suddenly, Marzena faced the unthinkable: keeping the business alive while raising three children alone. The heartbreak was unbearable, but Marzena found the strength to carry on, fueled by her love for her family and her determination to honor Mariusz’s legacy.

For over two decades, Polski Deli Market stood as a testament to their resilience, becoming a cornerstone of the community. Then, four years ago, Marzena reimagined the business into something even more special, a vibrant restaurant called Polka Dot, where she could share not only the traditional tastes of Poland but also new dishes inspired by her journey.

Polka Dot quickly became more than just a restaurant; it became a home for the community, where every meal was served with warmth, care, and love.

The Fight of a Lifetime

But the past few years have been devastating. The pandemic hit Polka Dot hard, leaving Marzena with mounting debts, skyrocketing utility bills, and no funds to hire help. Today, she works tirelessly, alone in the kitchen, fighting to keep the doors open.

This isn’t just about a business. It’s about survival.

Marzena is not only trying to save Polka Dot but also caring for her daughter, who has mental disabilities, and supporting her elderly mother in Poland, who suffers from dementia. The weight on her shoulders is unimaginable.

Closing Polka Dot would mean losing the dream that Mariusz started with his own hands and Marzena has fought to protect for nearly three decades. It would be saying goodbye to a lifetime of sacrifice, love, and memories.

A Community Treasure at Risk

Polka Dot isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a gathering place for families, a connection to Polish culture, and a symbol of resilience. It’s where neighbors become friends, where meals are served with love, and where Marzena has kept the spirit of her late husband alive.

Without Polka Dot, our community loses more than a restaurant, we lose a piece of our shared history.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for your help to save Polka Dot and give Marzena the lifeline she desperately needs. With your support, we can:

• Pay off overwhelming utility bills and tax debts that threaten the restaurant’s survival.

• Hire staff to support Marzena, who has carried this burden alone.

• Preserve Polka Dot as a cherished community treasure for generations to come.

• Make much-needed repairs and expansions to our business

• Repair the central AC unit for hot months.

• Advertise & Market Polka Dot to help growth of the business.

A Plea from the Heart

Imagine walking into Polka Dot, greeted by the smell of Marzena’s cooking and the warmth of her smile. Now imagine those doors closing forever, the lights going dark, and a family’s legacy fading into memory.

Marzena has already lost her husband. She can’t lose this too.

We’ve set a goal of $250,000 to save Polka Dot. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to keeping this dream alive. Your generosity will not only save a restaurant but also bring hope to a family that has endured unimaginable loss.

Let’s Stand Together

This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a call to action, a chance for us to rally around a family that has given so much to our community. Together, we can honor Mariusz’s memory, support Marzena’s unyielding love, and ensure that Polka Dot remains a symbol of resilience and hope.

Please donate, share this story, and help us save a family’s dream. Your kindness will make all the difference.

Thank you for standing with us.