PORTLAND, Ore. — It's hard to miss the boarded up front door at Sushi Mazi on Southeast 22nd and Division.
Owner Marc Mazi arrived at his more than 10-year-old business Wednesday to find the glass on the front door shattered. Whoever was behind the break-in got away with just some sake and beer.
"Oh man, you get so mad," Mazi said. "Why, why, why."
The damage to the door and the stolen inventory will set Mazi back several thousand dollars. It is awful under normal circumstances, but it is even worse when you add in the pandemic and two employees leaving over the course of the last year.
"What is going on with our lives right now," Mazi asked.
Mazi's misfortune struck a chord with Bree Melanson, owner of a neighboring thrift shop called Program.
"His chef who was with him for 10 years just quit," Melanson said. "There are so many things going on in his life."
Melanson took it upon herself to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help Mazi. She is hoping to raise at least $2,500.
"It's making the choice to help another person rather than getting stuck in your own things," she said. "Ultimately it's positive for everyone if you help another person out."
"She's so awesome," Mazi added.
Mazi is touched by what Melanson is doing. He realizes times are tough and appreciates any help he can get. In the meantime, he is headed back to the kitchen.
"Make that sushi, you know."
Mazi does not have a sophisticated security system. The break-in was not caught on camera. Melanson and her husband hope to install a good system in Mazi's restaurant.
If you'd like to contribute to the GoFundMe, click here.