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AN UPHILL BATTLE
Five months ago, my cat café – my dream – was destroyed by a fire. Our original space at 413 E. Adams St. was more than a business to me, it was a second home. For years, I imagined the cat café thriving in the heart of downtown, joining the vibrant, resilient neighborhood that I came to cherish. But in just a few months, that dream was taken away.
Since then, I have worked tirelessly to rebuild a welcoming space for our guests and feline residents. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, nearly everything in our new location has been donated or purchased through fundraising efforts. Businesses such as The Wakery and Jax Yoga Studio hosted events to support us, and individuals contributed furniture, cat supplies and funds to help us start again.
To my incredible staff, thank you for your patience and dedication during this tumultuous time. Despite the furloughs and uncertainty, you have remained committed to our mission. And to my spouse and partner, Samantha, your strength and persistence have been invaluable. From organizing fundraising efforts to running the café during my physical and emotional recovery, you have provided unwavering support.
Rebuilding has been an uphill battle. While we are grateful for the support received from the INB benefit fund, the process has been disappointing in many ways. The initial round of grants provided some relief, but the overall fundraising effort has not lived up to its early promises. Discussions of robust fundraising goals and endowments have fallen short, with only about $30,000 raised to support numerous displaced businesses and residents. Meanwhile, other initiatives, like the Isringhausen DRIVE grant, raised significant funds in a shorter timeframe, including a $40,000 anonymous donation to help fund an additional two new businesses.
The slow progress and lack of substantial support from leadership have left a void in our community. The gutted remains of 413 E. Adams St., once a hub of activity and joy, now stand as a haunting reminder of what was lost. Many belongings and equipment from former residents were stolen, adding insult to injury. The space that once embodied hope and vibrancy now highlights the gaps in recovery efforts for those most affected.
I don’t share this to place blame or to ask for more financial support. I share it to emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses. Our café was rebuilt through the love and generosity of our community, and I hope more people will come to experience the space we’ve created.
In a world that often feels disconnected, small businesses strive to provide spaces filled with love and authenticity. By supporting local businesses, you are investing in a stronger, more vibrant community.
We’ll continue to do our part to create a welcoming space for guests and cats alike. Thank you for your continued support as it is the reason we’ve made it this far, and it is what keeps us going.
Tom Raymond
Founder, The Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Café
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GOOD PLACE FOR A PARK
All of this negativity about another park in downtown Springfield – shame on all the naysayers (“Governor’s Mansion block slated to become park,” Oct. 3). Why not do a grand Earth Day event at the old YWCA site next April 22? We could invite school groups, Scout troops, civic groups and families to come plant a tree there that day and make the location an arboretum of the trees of Illinois. What a perfect spot, right next to the Governor’s Mansion.
Working together is a good thing. Working together on a project that adds trees to our climate change-burdened planet is an even better thing.
Judy Donath
Springfield
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BAD PLACE FOR TRAINS
What a waste of money (“Rail project receives final piece of federal funding,” Nov. 7). The city has spent so much on something that could have taken less time if they ran the rail on the outer edge of the city.
David Schlosser Jr.
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
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WASTE OF MONEY
I would like to know how many people use the high-speed train and how many will use it now that it is a few minutes faster. How long will it take to recover the money spent? We probably could have put them all on private jets and saved money.
Billy Gum
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
This article appears in Winter Guide 2024.
