Melodies of Hope: SAVE US EP FEB 1s Progrock Essentials
Donation protected
Melodies of Hope: Aid Mark Trueack's Cafe Recovery
Phase 2: An urgent appeal for continued support (new video announcement below!)
Quick background:
In October 2023 while Truey was on tour with Unitopia, his Meaw Pau Cafe in Udon Thani, Thailand suffered a catastrophic flood. He and his partner Supattra have been working tirelessly to put the cafe back on its feet and restore to its former glory as the premier dining and entertainment center of the region, offering quality dining and nightly live entertainment. This is his new home with his lovely partner and they are now at a crossroads for their venture to continue and prosper.
Announcements and Update: January 2023
Exciting news about:
(i) Exclusive Art Prints Auction (7 prints available)
(ii) New Single & EP 'Save Us' (release date)
More updates (Jan 2024):
- electrical wiring issues still unresolved
- partially completed AC room is unfinished
- structural water/wood damage repair
- had to let staff go
- general attendance is down
Our total plan was to open the new AC room to support older people who like to dine in the middle of the hot days. This has been delayed due to this tragedy however with your help we may be able to reopen and try bringing the customers back.
For those who lend their support, a 'Hall of Fame' awaits you at the café, where your name will be engraved as a symbol of gratitude. As gold star members, you'll also be entitled to complimentary meals and drinks, a heartfelt gesture of appreciation from Mark, Supattra, and the Meaw Pao team.
Discover the heart of the Meaw Pao for yourself by visiting our Facebook page. For direct conversations, travel arrangements, or inquiries, please contact Mark directly by email or Facebook.
A personal message from Mark Trueack
When you pour your heart and soul into a dream, it becomes more than a business—it becomes a part of your identity, a reflection of your passion, commitment, and love. And when that dream faces adversity, it's like a part of you is hurt. Mark Trueack, the passionate voice behind the progressive rock band Unitopia and the force behind United Progressive Fraternity (UPF), felt this pain when he returned from his European/USA tour in October 2023.
After investing my life savings and much of my heart into the Meaw Pao Café in Udon Thani, Thailand, I was met with heartbreaking news. The café, a testament to love, partnership, and community, had been gravely impacted by unprecedented flooding.
Meaw Pao Cafe before the flood
At the height of the flooding
"Asking for help isn't something I'd ever imagined myself doing. I take immense pride in what I've built with Supattra and her family, and reaching out for monetary aid is challenging for me. But the circumstances we're facing are overwhelming. I had moved to Thailand to help the restaurant flourish, to recreate its glory days before the pandemic. But the flood washed away so much of what we had worked hard for, leaving us buried under debts and uncertainty."
The flood affected everything: from the new retractable roof, air-conditioned rooms, snooker room, to the recording studio that Mark had set up to continue his passion for music. The devastation extended beyond the physical damage. The emotional and financial stress of struggling to pay 24 dedicated staff members, trying to navigate bills and loans with a halted business, is immeasurable.
About Meaw Pao Café
Set near a picturesque lake in Ban Sam Phrao, the café has been the pride and joy of Udon Thani since its establishment in 2018. The community rallied around it, and it swiftly became the #1 restaurant in the region. Now, that very lake's overflowing waters have compromised this beloved establishment.
We're not just asking for financial help. We're seeking your support in preserving a dream, a community haven, and a beacon of hope.
Structural and water damage
The snooker room
For those familiar with Mark’s music and vision, you know his dedication and passion. This is a chance to give back to someone who has enriched our lives with his music and vision.
Even if you're not familiar with Mark, you can play a part in rebuilding a community's cherished spot.
Together, with patience, kindness, and unity, we can surmount this challenge. We implore you to consider donating, sharing, and supporting this cause in any way possible. Let's restore the heartbeat of Udon Thani. Please give generously.
The unfinished AC room (lacks electricity)
The new AC room from the outside
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the power of community and dreams!
Warmly,
Mark ‘Truey’ Trueack, Supattra, & The Meaw Pao Family.
Organizer
Mark Trueack
Organizer
Port Lincoln, SA