A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for Sereneco employees after a major fire damaged the Greenpoint restaurant and left its staff without work while the business undergoes repairs, according to the Brooklyn Paper.
The fire broke out Aug. 28 on the second floor of the commercial building at 113 Franklin St., where Sereneco is located. The response involved 79 FDNY and EMS personnel, and firefighters took nearly two hours to bring the blaze under control. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to NYU Langone.
The fire caused significant damage to Sereneco and affected other businesses in and around the building, including Azure Gourmet, Chama Mama and Threes Brewing. Maman, located at 84 Kent St., also temporarily closed because of the fire.
“I’m working through the insurance process and doing everything I can to rebuild and reopen, but that’s going to take months, and my team is out of work in the meantime. That’s what this is for. What’s raised here will be distributed to my staff. Not to me, not to the restaurant,” said Van Dolsen, restaurant owner.
Sereneco owner Billy Van Dolsen is working through the insurance process as he assesses the damage and plans for the restaurant’s reopening. The process could take months, leaving employees without their regular income in the meantime.
The fundraiser has a $35,000 goal, with donations designated for Sereneco employees. The campaign is not intended to pay for rebuilding the restaurant or compensate its ownership. Valentine Studios helped organize the fundraiser as customers, friends and local businesses have offered support following the fire.
The campaign comes as the Greenpoint restaurant works toward reopening after the damage. The effort is focused on helping employees manage the financial impact of the closure while the insurance and rebuilding process moves forward.
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised more than $9,000 toward its $35,000 goal. Donations can be made through the campaign, while businesses with job opportunities can also contact Van Dolsen about temporary employment for Sereneco staff.
