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“From this theft we’ve had to close several days resulting in lost revenue and loss of product as well due to damage from the heat. This is resulting in us not being able to pay our rent for the store as well. A complete domino effect.”

Due to the age of the unit, Papara has to come up with $9,000 out of pocket to repair and replace it. She has lost count of the days she has had to remain closed during the hot weather because of the lack of air conditioning.

“Because of the type of lease we have, it is [the tenant’s] responsibility to do so,” Papara wrote on GoFundMe. “We’re trying to stay open as much as possible during this time, but some days the heat is unbearable. From this theft we’ve had to close several days resulting in lost revenue and loss of product as well due to damage from the heat. This is resulting in us not being able to pay our rent for the store as well. A complete domino effect.”

Thieves stole the copper tubing from two AC units, forcing the businesses to close

Since the store’s opening in 2021, the Made Artisan Collaborative has worked to be as inclusive as possible and to be a safe space for the people of color and LGBTQIA+ communities.

“We house over 43 different artists and artisans from Chicagoland, a good chunk from Beverly,” Papara said. “When we are closed, they’re getting messed with too because it affects their income. All have families with kids, spouses and rent. This is one of their income sources.”

Papara has created a GoFundMe campaign, “Help Made Artisan Collaborative After AC Theft,” to raise money for the new equipment and additional costs to make up for lost revenue and to compensate the artists in the collaborative.

“We LOVE Beverly, and right now we need your help,” Papara wrote on GoFundMe. “Seriously every little bit DOES help immensely! If you can’t help financially, share our story, tell some friends, start your Holiday shopping early. We’re so grateful for every little bit of love shown to us by the community.”

When Keynn Cain walked into her business, Ohana Ice & Treats, on June 26, the shaved ice shop felt like a sauna.

“I went to take a look at the pipe to see if it had frozen, but it was completely gone,” Cain said, who has run the business with her husband, Kenneth, since August 2018 at 1800 W. 103rd St.

>>> Ohana Ice & Treats Reopen After Theft

The night before the theft, Cain was holding employee orientation for youth from One Summer Chicago, that connects teens ages 14 to 24 from underserved neighborhoods with jobs and internships.

“We were at the store late,” Cain said. “We didn’t hear anything, we didn’t see anything, we went outside and sat in the little seating area.”

Ohana’s has remained closed since. Insurance will cover about a third of the loss.

“The reading for heat [inside the store] is beyond what the thermostat could measure,” Cain told Patch. “We lost all our syrups, shaved ice setups and a full inventory of ice cream totaling $45,000 to replace the air conditioner, loss of inventory and loss of revenue. And that’s just the last two weeks.”

While she wasn’t planning to, Cain said she was encouraged to create a GoFundMe campaign, “Help Ohana Ice & Treats Reopen After Theft.”

Meanwhile, both business owners are planning to purchase security cages for their new units, if they’re able to survive this latest setback.

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