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The race to save West Bank Cafe and the Laurie Beechman Theater is building steam. As we publish this story, the GoFundMe campaign has brought in over $145,000 of the $250,000 target — and a Telethon is planned for Christmas Day to boost the fundraising.
To help spread the word, you’re invited to share your favorite photos from West Bank with the hashtag #SaveWestBankCafe.
The West Bank Cafe team in the 80s.From left, Rand Foerster, artistic director, Rowan Joseph, managing director, Steve Olsen, executive producer, Rusty Magee, musical director and Lewis Black, playwright in residence.
Owner, Steve Olsen told us this morning: “The outpouring of love and generosity we have received from our loyal customers, friends, relatives and business associates is overwhelming. Over a thousand people have donated money to help us survive this catastrophic pandemic and a couple of hundred artists are contributing to our Christmas Day telethon, which will be on Facebook from noon until 8 pm. I am forever grateful to, and appreciate, everyone who has ever patronized West Bank Cafe. Gratitude is the best Christmas gift one could ever receive. I wish everyone a healthy and safe Holiday season.”
Social media has been full of nostalgia and archive images with the hashtag #savewestbankcafe. Here are some highlights.
You can read more about the fundraising and the link to the GoFundMe page here.