ROUND I
We would like to thank our donors and sponsors for supporting our efforts to help the small businesses, service workers, artists, and musicians in our community that have been affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Reaching our $10,000 goal was only made possible with your help. Additionally, we were able to award $200 gifts cards to all of our applicants with the gracious donation by a donor who converted his credit card points to gift cards. This has truly been an incredible show of love and support for the neighborhood. See all of our recipients and read their stories below!
ISAAC DAVIES
Artist / Muralist
My story: "I usually paint murals both inside and outside of buildings and businesses (Deep Ellum Brewery, Braindead, Big Guys, Crab Station, Bark Park). I paint signage (Bomb Factory, Independent Bar), and repair historical art (McMurray Metals, Expo Alley). I volunteer as an art teacher (ArtLoveMagic, Big Thought, Deep Ellum Association). I’ve been a muralist in Deep Ellum for over 15 years. I’ve exhausted almost all of my resources, and need help!"
LANDO BROWN
Service Worker • Trees
My story: “Hi. So I've been out of work since March 6th of this year. I've been working Trees, Bomb Factory and Canton Hall since 2015, and the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market for the last 2 years (which all paid me cash), and random music festivals around D/FW. So when this pandemic happened I wasn't able to get unemployment. And, wasn't able to get a stimulus check because I have back child support. Now, I've had to move from my apt. I sold my vehicle so I could have some cash for my cell phone bill each month and get stuff to be safe. And since I don't have really any cash left I've just been going to churches to get food when they give it out and a few friends helped out when they could.”
JIMMY NIWA
Restaurant / Bar • NIWA Japanese BBQ
Our story: “We opened a casual fine dining Japanese restaurant in Deep Ellum almost three years ago, and we love this neighborhood. Covid-19 forced us to close and lay off all of our staff. Shortly there after we opened up a market place for the neighborhood focused on family meals and take-out. When the protests began on Friday, May 29th we were devastated, because we had planned to open up back up on Monday, June 1st. However, due to damage to our front door and windows we had to postpone reopening the restaurant. It’s very difficult for us to operate under the current circumstances.”
CURE FOR PARANOIA
Musician / Band • Jonathan Thomas
Our story: “Hi! Most of our income was based off shows that were played in Deep Ellum and merch to support our band. We had a weekly residency at Three Links that abruptly stopped, and other Deep Ellum venue gigs where we would often play as well. I’m an audio engineer and I record music for, and with, other Deep Ellum artists whose studio income also took a big hit because of the shelter-at-home requirements. I still haven’t received my stimulus check, and am currently waiting to hear back from unemployment. This grant is much needed and would help us bounce back. “We love Deep Ellum, and without it we wouldn’t have a place to call home."
CURE FOR PARANOIA
Musician / Band • Cameron Smith, Cure For Paranoia
“We’ve lost thousands of dollars since the pandemic began back in April. Between our residencies (ThreeLinks, Harlowe, High & Tight, Psychedelic Robot, Crowdus) being cancelled due to venue closures, and performances at festivals such as SXSW and Thin Line Fest being called off during quarantine, there’s been zero revenue from performance coming in for the better part of three months. Music is my only occupation, and only source of income, any assistance at this time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for helping the community the way you are!"
Musician/Band • Jeremy Rodriguez, Cure For Paranoia
"Our primary source of income has been performing, and the majority of our performances have been in Deep Ellum. We frequently play at Three Links, Trees, High & Tight, The Free Man, Wits End, Bomb Factory and numerous other local establishments. We play 3-5 times a week; these shows, festival dates and tour dates have been canceled. The pandemic has been financially devastating, but we’re happy to have our health. Studio work, our secondary source of income, has also slowed down drastically. Other musician’s recording budgets have disappeared, and social distancing has deterred clients from visiting the studio. Thank you for your consideration."
Musician/Band • Stanley Mongaras, Cure For Paranoia
"Gigging was my main form of income before all of this. I’ve been doing online shows with a digital tip jar in the mean time either solo or under the name couchella with the cure for paranoia band. This has really brought in only enough to eat during these crazy times. We’ve stayed beyond our original lease, and trying to find a new apartment during these times has been another challenge on top of the current conditions. So we’re in the middle of moving out of this spot by the end of the month and trying to find a new place in time.