The Coop to donate 100 percent of Black Friday sales to Waukesha parade victims fund

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- From the moment the doors of The Coop opened at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, the tables of the restaurant were filled by Waukesha community members with hungry bellies and heavy hearts, all with one mission in mind; helping their community heal.

100 percent of Friday's sales are being donated to the United for Waukesha Community Fund, benefitting the families impacted by Sunday's Christmas parade tragedy.

"We want to raise every dollar that we can," explained owner Joseph Sifnaios. "This is the least that we can do for them. Waukesha embraced us, had arms wide open for us. Gave us a reason to have a smile on our face and to open our doors every single morning."

The decision to support the victims was a no-brainer for Sifnaios and the staff at The Coop. Two women that work at the restaurant as waitresses were injured in the parade incident.

"They're our family," Sifnaios said. "One of the waitresses was working that morning. I couldn't believe it."

Nancy Zutavern was joined at breakfast by her two daughters and other family members who were also with her at the parade. They narrowly missed being hit by the SUV.

"Very lucky. It was by the grace of God," Nancy said, explaining her family's parade experience. "We're doing everything we can to provide positive energy."

Zutavern says the support from The Coop and other area businesses has been a perfect example of what being 'Waukesha Strong' is all about.

"That warms my heart," she said. "We have pulled together and are doing everything we can do for these poor families and victims."

You can donate to the United for Waukesha Community Fund online by clicking HERE.