On Monday, April 4, island business Mica’s Kitchen was burglarized in the early hours of the morning, with windows broken, items knocked off counters, and additional damage being done. The burglary was quickly reported on social media.

Local island chef Chantel Jackson, who is the Food Service Director at Camp Sealth and owner of Thyme Well Spent Catering, launched a GoFundMe campaign for Mica’s Kitchen, with a fundraising goal of $10,000.

The local eatery, owned by islander Michaella Olavarri, is known for its homestyle cuisine, artisanal goods and products, and bakery offerings. Mica’s Kitchen has been open since 2019.

“Someone, not mother nature destroyed this small business, and until we get to the bottom of this, I am asking for neighbors, friends, family and anyone who is willing to help get this up and running again,” said Jackson in the GoFundMe campaign.

As of press time, the fundraiser has raised $4,398.

On Tuesday afternoon, The Beachcomber stopped by Mica’s Kitchen and found Olavarri in her mostly cleaned-up business. She said that she was very grateful to community members who had stepped forward to help her in the effort.

Olavarri said the crime had been reported to the King County Sherrif’s Department, and that surveillance cameras had captured the act in progress. She had been able to identify the perpetrator, an islander, she said, who had not yet been arrested, to her knowledge.

Note: This is a developing story. Those interested in donating to the fundraiser may do so at bit.ly/3uWwY99.

UPDATE: Another GoFundMe, by islander Dale Greenfeld, has been launched to support Mica’s Kitchen in rebuilding. The GoFundMe has currently raised $3,950. Those interested in donating may do so at bit.ly/3LSyBeR.