ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Catherine \u201cMs. Cat\u201d Wilson says her faith keeps her serving others\u2014even as her own restaurant struggles to stay open.<\/p>\n
Wilson owns Ma\u2019Belle\u2019s, a Parramore restaurant named after her late aunt. The business, which opened in 2016, is expected to soon be renamed Cat and Ma\u2019Belle\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Like many small businesses, Ma\u2019Belle\u2019s has struggled since the pandemic. The restaurant is temporarily closed and needs a new fryer, electrical panel and air-conditioning system.<\/p>\n
The restaurant\u2019s in an older building and it has three small air conditioners. Two are out and the other only blows out hot air. Wilson says temperatures inside reached at least 90 degrees during Monday\u2019s interview with News 6\u2019s Ashley Garrett.<\/p>\n
She says the temperature inside can climb above 100 degrees when she is cooking.<\/p>\n
For now, she relies on a large fan to help circulate the hot air.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Even while facing her own financial challenges, Wilson continues giving back. Every Sunday, she helps provide food, clothing, snacks and love to people in need at the corner of South Street and Parramore Avenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod say if they come and they hungry, feed them,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cSo I gotta do that regardless. I might not have to do it, but my heart tells me to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
People\u2019s Free Kitchen is now working to support Wilson and Ma\u2019Belle\u2019s. The group has started a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $4,000 to help cover the restaurant\u2019s expenses.<\/p>\n
Wilson says she believes the support will come, because in her experience and her words, \u201cGod always provides\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll put people in my path,\u201d she said. \u201cI believe so. He has so far.\u201d<\/p>\n