In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker has ordered the closing of all bars and restaurants for dine-in business at least through the end of April. This is a necessary action to stem to transmission of the virus, but it has sidelined servers, bartenders, DJs, drag queens, and many others who earn their livings in Chicago’s LGBTQ nightlife scene.
Many online fundraising attempts have been arranged to help support the bars’ staffs. Below is a list of links to online fundraisers for many of the local bars and parties. Windy City Times encourages you to show your support in this time of hardship. If you are aware of any additional efforts for any bar not listed, please email Kirk Williamson at kirk@windycitytimes.com.
Sidetrack Staff Support Effort
www.gofundme.com/f/sidetrackchicago.
Help Support The Glenwood Bartenders Fundraiser
www.facebook.com/donate/515529829393212/.
Virtual Tip Jar for Scarlet Bar
www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-tip-jar-for-scarlet-bar.
Bobby Loves Staff Virtual Tip Jar
www.gofundme.com/f/bobby-loves-staff-relief-fund.
Hydrate Nightclub and Elixir Lounge Tip Jar
www.gofundme.com/f/hydrate-nightclub-and-elixir-lounge-tip-jar.
Relief Fund for Berlin Employees
www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-tip-jar-for-berlin-employees.
2Bears Tavern Group (Jackhammer/The Sofo Tap/Meeting House Tavern) Staff Assistance Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/2bears-tavern-group-staff-assitance-fund.
The North End Team (Family)
www.gofundme.com/f/the-north-end-team-family.
ProgressBar Staff Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/progressbar-staff-relief-fund.
Support the team that serves you at Touche
www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-team-that-serves-you-at-touche.
Atmosphere Bar Staff Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/atmosphere-bar-staff-relief-fund.
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Staff Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/fdp5r8-lucky-horseshoe-lounge-staff-relief-fund.
The Call Bar-Home Bar of Andersonville
www.gofundme.com/f/the-call-bar.
D.S. Tequila Staff Relief Fund
dstequila.com/donate/.
Drew’s on Halsted Employees
www.gofundme.com/f/drews-on-halsted.
The Closet’s Virtual Tip Jar
www.gofundme.com/f/the-closets-virtual-tip-jar.
Assistance for Cell Block Chicago
www.gofundme.com/f/assistance-for-cell-block-chicago.
Hamburger Mary’s Staff Support Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/hamburger-mary039s-staff-support-fund.
The Baton Show Lounge Staff Tip Jar
www.gofundme.com/f/the-baton-show-lounge.
Support the Replay & Elixir Andersonville Staff
www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-replay-andersonville.
Fantasy Night Club Employee Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/1xrme2unyo.
Shaker’s on Clark Staff Virtual Tip Jar
www.gofundme.com/f/shakers-on-clark-staff-fund.
Krave Staff Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/ClubKraveTipJar.
Second Story Bar relief fund
www.gofundme.com/f/second-story-bar-relief-fund.
Kit Kat Lounge Staff Relief Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/kit-kat-lounge-staff-relief-fund.
Queen Quarantine Fund
www.gofundme.com/f/queen039s-quarantine-fund.
Staff at Rogers Park Social
www.gofundme.com/f/8rf8kt-serving-the-servers.
In addition, Roscoe’s is selling eGift cards through March 31, with all proceeds going to the staff. You can apply the promotion code STAFF at this link to purchase a card with a value of twice what you pay. These cards have no expiration date and can be used for drinks, coat check, ticketed events and meet-and-greets.
squareup.com/gift/WRF0Y8WRYA9JZ/order.
—Windy City Times