Fundraising music night raises money to support South Shields charity cafe after break-in
The team behind a cafe offering employment opportunities to people with autism has thanked the organiser of a fundraising concert.
A fundraising night has helped a South Shields cafe gain back tip money given to its employees after it was taken during a break in.
Sea Change Cafe on Ocean Road was broken into overnight on Thursday, June 25. Staff returned to the site and saw tip money and their charity pot had gone.
Part of the AutismAble group, the cafe offer people with autism a chance to find employment and gain skills.
Equipment that makes the till and payment system easier to understand, see and operate for the staff was also taken.
Following the incident Northumbria Police confirmed cash and an iPad had been taken from the site.
The public reaction saw over £7,000 raised for the cafe, allowing the team to install security shutters.
Now a fundraising night has helped the team get their hard earned tip money back.
A night at the Cumberland Arms in Newcastle was organised by Ian Black with a series of local musicians taking part to help raise funds for the staff.
Publically thanking Ian on social media, Sea Change said: As many of our followers know, last month someone broke into SeaChange, stealing from us and taking all of our team’s hard-earned tips.
“Last night, something much better happened.
“The lovely Ian Black organised a fundraising gig at The Cumberland Arms and, thanks to the generosity of everyone who came along, raised £156 to replace those tips.
“Every penny will go straight back to the staff who earned them.A huge thank you to Ian, everyone who donated, and all of the incredible musicians who gave their time and talent.”
In total six acts took to the stage for the night - The Fortunate Nudes, Oldman, Summer Night Air, Trev Gibb, Token and Lorelei Murray.
This was the fourth time the cafe had been broken into after only just recovering from the windows being smashed overnight in April.
Sarah Farrell-Forster, the owner of Sea Change, has previously told the Shields Gazette about the impact it has on the business and its members of staff.