Annapolis Tornado Leaves Businesses, Locals In Need Of Donations

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis businesses and residents asked for donations to help them recover from this month's tornado and storm. Shops seeking assistance include Chris's Charcoal Pit and Panther Auto Body. One local also needs money to repair his roof.

Chris's Charcoal Pit is a Greek restaurant located at 1946 West St. The eatery has been open for more than 40 years.

That success was disrupted when a twister spawned from Tropical Depression Ida on Sept. 1, battering Annapolis and Edgewater.

At Chris's Charcoal Pit, the front windows are boarded up. Wires dangle from the ceiling of the once-buzzing establishment. Customers now want to step up for one of their favorite dinner spots.

Community member Jeanne Poole organized a GoFundMe to aid restaurant Owner Stavroulla Herodotou and her workers. The campaign has already raised $28,658, exceeding its $25,000 goal. Neighbors can still donate at this link.

"It will take time to rebuild, and, in the meantime, we are setting up a fund to support and provide lost income to their loyal and longtime kitchen staff," Poole wrote on the listing. "When I reached out to their owners, their SOLE concern was their wonderful staff."

Panther Auto Body, located at 31 Lee St., faces similar damage. The car repair shop reported a leaking roof and a collapsing wall. The owners, Pete and Mary Sellers, explained that they lost both their cars to the storm.

"Panther took a devastating hit," the company posted on Facebook. "The tornado went right over our building [and] took everything out."

David Zorn set up a fundraiser to benefit his friends at Panther Auto Body. The initiative has collected $4,480 to "cover unexpected income loss and property damage." Good samaritans can help the business reach its $5,000 goal by donating here.

"Pete and Mary have always been there for the community," Zorn said on the campaign page. "I am hoping the community will be there for them."

Annapolis resident Lewis Woodward also asked for assistance. Woodward noted that the tornado missed his house, but lightning struck a neighboring tree. A large limb then shattered and crashed into his roof.

Donors have contributed $1,570 to Woodward's repairs. That is $70 more than the goal, but Marylanders can still fund Woodward's cause at this link.

"My friend Lew is one of the good ones," Melissa Lauren shared on Facebook. "Please help if you can. Even small amounts add up. Thank you!"

Annapolitans can additionally donate to a citywide tornado recovery fundraiser by clicking here.

RELATED: Tornado Can Shake Store, But Not Determination Of Business Owner

These stories reflect the widespread destruction that Ida cast across the northeastern United States. GoFundMe created a centralized hub that lists all of the region's fundraisers related to Ida relief. That portal is explorable here.

The donation website also sponsors a general Hurricane Relief Fund that lends a hand to all summer storm victims. To visit that page, click this link.

"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida," GoFundMe spokesperson Meghan Kee told Patch in an email. "In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy there are many families who need support, and through GoFundMe they are able to safely receive help from the community as they move forward."

EDITOR'S NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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RELATED:

• Tornado Can Shake Store, But Not Determination Of Business Owner
• Annapolis Tornado Town Hall To Help Residents Wednesday
• Tornado Wind Speeds Hit 125 MPH On Path To Annapolis, Edgewater
• Anne Arundel Tornado Cleanup Prompts State Of Emergency
• Annapolis Tornado: Dozens Of Homes, Commercial Buildings Damaged
• Tornado Damages Annapolis Businesses, South River Stadium

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