Lake View tavern patrons raise thousands after Grinch-like burglars steal Christmas presents for needy

Wendy Prinn, owner of the tavern Olive Black Chicago, works tirelessly to support families going through desperate situations, especially during the holidays.

Prinn, who friends say regularly sleeps on a couch of the Lake View bar overnight so she can make "feasts" for those going through rough times, is also known to feed strangers better than herself.

After a burglary Thursday left her bar damaged and resulted in Christmas presents, including diapers and toiletries scheduled for donation being taken, neighbors stepped up.

"It's just overwhelming, it's amazing," Prinn, 54, said of the community support. "We are so incredibly grateful for everything that everybody has done."

On Dec. 11, several burglars smashed the windows of the bar at 3032 N. Lincoln Ave., and ripped an ATM from the ground causing floor damages around 3:45 a.m.

The thieves also took presents from the bar's Giving Tree, which is part of an annual program that provides toys and essentials like diapers, toiletries and blankets to those in need.

But also last year, bar owners and staff fulfilled a teenage migrant's dream by gifting him a guitar, case, tuner, stand and sheet music, according to Anthony Bozzi, a patron who works closely with Prinn and her family during holiday parties.

"Wendy isn't just feeding people; she is giving each soul she encounters respect, compassion, hope, encouragement and selflessness," Bozzi said. "Her whole existence is predicated on who she can assist today."

With insurance, Prinn should be able to recover the losses from the theft and structural damage, which she estimates as around $6,500 but not the cost of extra security she hopes to build.

A benefit night was held at the bar Tuesday that raised roughly $2,000, according to Prinn. Additionally, a fundraiser launched by Bozzi has accumulated over $2,500 as of Wednesday morning.

That money will go toward getting a security gate, which stretches goes across the entire entrance of the bar as well as a rolling down shutter.

"It's just a scary feeling, that's my safe space [and] I love going there," Prinn said of the bar. "I think [a security gate] would definitively help us feel more secure."

Prinn DoorDashes and takes part time work on her days off to have money to give extra food for those less fortunate, according to Bozzi.

"She regularly sleeps overnight on the couch of Olive Black because she's making a feast for someone in a desperate situation," Bozzi said. "She feeds strangers better than she feeds herself."

Prinn and her family opened Olive Black in February 2023 and the bar has been described as a "place of refuge for all regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, legal status and politics."

"She doesn't gift kindness, she is the spirit of loving kindness personified," Bozzi said.

Despite the ordeal, Prinn remains grateful for everyone who supported her during a difficult time.

"Bad things happen, but there is so much good in the world too," Prinn said.

Chicago police reported no one in custody as of Wednesday.