James Bruggers

@jbruggers

It didn't take long for Louisville to show some love to one of its more popular residents after he found himself in a bind.

Musician Micah Chandler on Friday told his Facebook friends that someone had stolen his violin. Saturday morning, the Doo Wop Shop music store announced on Facebook that it had given Chandler a new one. Chander spoke of counting his blessings and said, "Thank you," and hugged store manager John Metcalf.

"Micah has been a customer here for as long as I've been here, 15 years at least," Metcalf said, adding that he and store owner Bill Himbaugh decided it was simplest to just cover the violin's cost. "We took care of making sure he had something to play."

A Courier-Journal profile of Chandler in 2002 focused on how the gregarious University of Louisville graduate's personality, determination, and struggle with cerebral palsy had made him a successful fundraiser for a range of charitable causes. He's been called the unofficial mayor of Louisville by some.

"There was a staggering show of support," Metcalf said.

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It's been a whirlwind since the Doo Wop Shop was mentioned online yesterday in connection with replacing the violin, with the phone there ringing repeatedly from callers wanting to help, Metcalf added. Two other customers bought a violin from a pawn shop and gave it to Chandler, who in turn gave it to the Doo Wop Shop. Metcalf said the store plans to give that violin to a child without the means to buy one.

Meanwhile, one Go Fund Me campaign raised $2,640, surpassing a goal of $1,500, and a second one raised $550.

Chandler told WHAS11 News on Friday that he was eating at a local restaurant on Market Street in Louisville. He set the instrument on the counter and by the time he was done eating, it had disappeared.

Chandler's post that started off the social media outpouring: "Someone stole my violin today :( Any suggestions on an affordable replacement would be greatly appreciated."

"When I saw it had happened, I was honestly heartbroken over it," said Michael Paoloni, whose Go Fund Me campaign raised the $2,640. He said even if the music store won't accept a reimbursement, all the money will go to Chandler.

He added he does not know Chandler personally but has seen him play the violin around town.

"I just wanted to help out. It was very refreshing to see the community help out. There's so much negative going on."

Reach reporter James Bruggers at (502) 582-4645 and at jbruggers@courier-journal.com.