Support Perilla Korean Restaurant Employees

It has been so encouraging to see people supporting each other in times of uncertainty, chaos, and fear. One important step we can all take in protecting each other's health is staying home to limit physical contact. While this may simply be an inconvenience to some of us, to others this is hugely devastating both emotionally and financially. I have heard many people asking "What can I do to help others during the Coronavirus pandemic?" 

One concrete way to help is to support the restaurant industry. Governor Pritzker has made the thoughtful and necessary decision to mandate all Illinois restaurants and bars to close dine-in service. Restaurant industry employees show up for us ALL DAY EVERY DAY, through precarious weather and consecutive late nights, so we can connect and enjoy time with our loved ones. Now is our time to give back. Order take out. Buy a restaurant gift card. Check in on your friends in the industry. 

One restaurant that is especially on my heart is Perilla . I once asked Andy Lim, a partner and executive chef of the restaurant, what his goal was when Perilla opened. He didn't miss a beat: "a place where Korean Americans and Korean American culture thrive." Perilla lives out this mission every day. Everything Perilla does--from their innovative menu that introduces customers to Korean classics with a twist to their support of Korean American organizations--demonstrates their mission of connecting people through their love of Korean culture and food.  As a new restaurant that just opened last summer with big ambitions and goals to serve our city, they could use our financial support. They have had no choice but to make the heartbreaking decision to lay off their employees for the time being. If you would like an opportunity to bond together, support one another, and give back to an industry that loves us day in and day out, please consider donating to Perilla. All proceeds will go to financially support the 30 employees at Perilla and their sister lunch counter service City Rock  who are temporarily without work or pay. Our goal is to raise enough money to support rent, healthcare, and living expenses.