After the tragic fire that gutted most of Eastern Market, local citizens, who first organized through social networking site Facebook, are showing the same sort of community spirit that made Eastern Market so popular in the first place. A group of folks have pulled together to convince several bars to participate in a Tuesday, May 8 happy hour that will donate a percentage of funds to the  Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Want to help? You can pitch in tonight (Thursday, May 3). As the group's web site says...

"This is really simple-- we're not an organization, just a bunch of passionate DC citizens who want to make sure that Eastern Market retains its historic presence in the district. Right now, what you can do, tonight is go to your favorite bar, and ask them if they will participate in a city-wide happy hour on Tuesday to benefit the Capitol Hill Community Foundation's 'Eastern Market Keep it Going' fund.

We're asking that bars give 5% of their profits to the fund. That's a recommendation-- but if they want to give more or less they can. It will all be listed here once it is confirmed."

Several bars are already confirmed, like the Hawk and Dove, Science Club, and more. So get on out there and ask your favorite bars if they'd be willing to participate. If they are, email Clay Johnson with the bar's names. And make sure to go out next Tuesday and drink at one of the establishments who are donating funds.

Photographs of the devastation at Eastern Market are below. All were taken by Andrew Lightman, Capital Community News, Inc., and used with permission.