OAKLAND, CA — A fundraiser for a beloved, longtime Oakland eatery is on the rise after someone crashed into the business Wednesday morning.
The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. when alleged burglars tried to get into Tay Ho in Oakland, according to a GoFundMe started by a partner of one of the owners.
“A car was deliberately driven into the restaurant three times in an attempt to burglarize it,” the fundraiser states. “Thankfully, the alarm system scared them off — but not before causing significant damage.”
A photo posted alongside the fundraiser shows the front of the shop caved inward as someone holds their hands behind their heads, seemingly in disbelief.
A second photo shows an empty red sedan crashed in front of the business.
“This is part of a wave hitting Oakland businesses right now — and today, it was us,” the restaurant said in a statement on Facebook. “There is no money in a restaurant. There never was. There’s sacrifice, early mornings, late nights, love for this community, and a whole lot of hope.”
Community members have since rallied for the business. The GoFundMe has received more than 180 donations as of Thursday morning, raising $18,803 out of its $25,000 goal.