Fundraiser Planned for Velvet Rope Employees

If you're interested in helping out the owner of the and the handful of employees affected by Sunday's fire that damaged the gay-friendly nightclub, here's your chance.

An event organized by David Monterosso is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 14 at the Hideaway Night Club, 7301 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. There's a $20 suggested donation, and tickets for a 50/50 raffle will cost 1 for $1, 7 for $5, 16 for $10, and 40 for $20.

Velvet Rope Employee Benefit on Facebook

Donations are also being accepted on Fundrazr, a crowdsourced fundraising site. More than 70 people have confirmed they'll attend the party, which will include a drag show.

The investigation continues into the cause of the fire, which badly damaged the Lake Street hangout known for its DJ sets, karaoke, drag shows and a bawdy Thursday night bingo game. Authorities in Oak Park have called the blaze "suspicious in nature," and have said they're investigating arson as a possible cause.

As the investigation unfolds, club owner Frank Elliot is slated to open a new nightclub in Lakeview, Bonsai Bar & Lounge, Oak Leaves reports.