West Ridge Crossing Guard's Heroic Act Sparks Restaurant Fund

Joe Sass hoisted the young student onto his back without a second thought, wading through knee-deep water on Devon Avenue as a busted water main turned the West Ridge intersection into an impromptu lake. It was just another Tuesday morning for the longtime crossing guard, but for neighbors who witnessed the moment, it crystallized everything they already knew about the man who’s been shepherding their kids across busy streets for years.

Now those same neighbors are putting their money where their mouths are, launching a GoFundMe campaign to buy Sass meals at local restaurants throughout the neighborhood. The fundraiser, which has already raised over $3,000, represents more than just appreciation for one good deed—it’s become a way to support both a beloved community figure and the Food & Dining establishments that make West Ridge home.

“Joe doesn’t just do his job, he knows every kid’s name, asks about their day, makes sure they’re safe,” said Maria Rodriguez, a parent who organized the campaign alongside other neighbors. “When we saw him carry that little girl through the flood like she was his own granddaughter, we knew we had to do something.”

The water main break on January 15th transformed the normally busy corner of Devon and Washtenaw into something resembling a small river. While city crews worked to shut off the flow, morning commuters and school children found themselves stranded on either side of the impromptu waterway. That’s when Sass, 67, began his impromptu ferry service, carrying students one by one to ensure they could safely reach school.

Sass, who has worked as a crossing guard in the neighborhood for over a decade, initially seemed bewildered by the attention. “I just did what anyone would do,” he said when reached by phone. “These are our kids, you know? You don’t just leave them standing there.”

But the GoFundMe organizers had bigger plans than simply saying thank you. Recognizing that many West Ridge restaurants have faced challenges in recent months due to increased ICE enforcement activity in the area, they structured the fundraiser to serve a dual purpose. Sass has committed to donating half of whatever money is raised to local food pantries, while using the remaining funds to dine at immigrant-owned restaurants throughout the neighborhood.

“It’s perfect,” said Ahmad Hassan, owner of Ghareeb Nawaz, a Pakistani restaurant on Devon that Sass frequents. “Joe comes in here, he knows everybody, he’s part of the family. And right now, with everything happening, we need customers to know we’re still here, still serving the community.”

The Devon corridor has long been the heart of Chicago’s South Asian dining scene, home to everything from hole-in-the-wall biryani joints to elaborate banquet halls. But recent immigration enforcement has created a climate of uncertainty that restaurant owners say has affected foot traffic, particularly among families who might typically spend weekends exploring the strip’s culinary offerings.

Rodriguez and her fellow organizers saw an opportunity to address multiple community needs simultaneously. “We get to honor Joe, support our local businesses, and help feed families who are struggling,” she explained. “It felt like the most Chicago thing we could do.”

The campaign has resonated beyond West Ridge, with donations coming in from across the city and even from former residents who moved away but remember the neighborhood fondly. Comments on the GoFundMe page tell stories of other small kindnesses from Sass over the years: walking kids to their doors during storms, remembering birthdays, checking in on families during difficult times.

“He’s the kind of person who makes a neighborhood feel like a real community,” wrote one donor. “Growing up, Mr. Joe was as much a part of my daily routine as breakfast.”

Local aldermen have taken notice as well, with the city council expected to formally recognize Sass for his actions during next month’s meeting. But for Sass himself, the real reward will be the chance to continue supporting the restaurants and families that have become his extended family over the years.

“I eat at a lot of these places anyway,” he laughed. “Now I just get to eat a little better and help out at the same time.”

The fundraiser comes at a time when community-driven support for local restaurants has become increasingly important across Chicago. From pandemic-era mutual aid efforts to more recent initiatives supporting businesses affected by various challenges, residents have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to rally around the establishments that define their neighborhoods.

For Hassan at Ghareeb Nawaz, the gesture represents something deeper than just increased business. “When people like Joe eat here, when they bring their families, it shows other people that we’re all part of the same community,” he said. “Food brings people together, especially when times are hard.”

The GoFundMe campaign remains active, with organizers hoping to raise enough money to keep Sass dining out for months to come. They’ve also created a list of participating restaurants, ranging from established Devon Avenue institutions to newer spots that have opened in recent years.

“Joe’s been taking care of our kids for years,” Rodriguez said. “Now it’s our turn to take care of him, and our neighborhood restaurants at the same time. That’s how community is supposed to work.”

As for Sass, he’s already planning his first official fundraiser meal, naturally at one of the family-owned spots where he’s been a regular for years. “Good food, good people,” he said. “What more do you need?”