Local Businesses Sponsoring Fundraisers for American Oak Staff

With just weeks before Christmas, American Oak employees remain out of work after an arson hit the Santa Clara Avenue eatery.

However, local businesses are lending a helping hand through fundraiser events to benefit staff of American Oak, located at 2319 Santa Clara Ave.

The restaurant suffered what investigators dubbed as a "suspicious fire" on Dec. 8, which was later identified as arson.

Co-owner Melanie Hartman said she is uncertain when they will reopen.

"We all at American Oak would like to sincerely extend our gratitude to everyone who has been supportive of us for the last few days," Hartman said in a release. "It's been a little rough, and unfortunately we really don't have much news to report in terms of a timeline (to reopen)."

Neighboring businesses like Angela's Bistro and Swell Bar are offering to sponsor fundraising events to raise money for American Oak's staff.

Swell Bar owners John Freeze and Gray Harris are hosting a happy hour on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 7 p.m. where they will donate 50 percent of sales to the American Oak staff during that time.

Angela's Bistro will be donating 100 percent of its proceeds to the employees from two of its weekly fundraising events. The first is its Mojito Monday event on Dec. 17 starting at 5:30 p.m. Hartman said she will be behind the bar making a special appearance. She said 100 percent of tips will also be donated.

The second Angela Bistro event will be Friday, Dec. 21, for Friday Night Flights, where $10 will get you two tastes of selected wine. Details about this are still being worked out.

Facebook users can help by sharing the event: 
http://www.facebook.com/events/508955512459808/

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