Online Fundraiser For Berkeley Black-Run Business

BERKELEY, CA — A black owned Berkeley business struggling to survive coronavirus closures has a new challenge — thieves broke into SPOKES Bike Cafe on Saturday and stole over $20,000 in bicycles and inventory, according to an appeal on Go Fund Me.

Windows and the door were broken, forcing costly repairs.

"Our dream was to get more people on bicycles that fit them, to build a healthier community where we live, work and raise our kids, and to help everyone have mobility and access to healthcare, education and job opportunities," Pearly Tan said in the appeal.

The family-owned business has been serving the community since 2015. "Most of our customers know we work over 80 hours a week and our kids have grown up in the shop. We will recover from this with your help and be back to take care of you and your family's mobility needs."

There are security camera images of the thieves included int he appeal.

The business is seeking $15,000, and more than $10,000 has already been raised.

Here is a link to the fund if you would like to donate.

—Go Fund Me is a Patch promotional partner