A GoFundMe was recently created for Enumclaw’s Mail Express Business Center after it received a fine from the state for not enforcing the state’s mask mandates.

The fundraiser was made by Enumclaw City Councilman Beau Chevassus, though in a recent interview he said he’s not doing this as a local politician, but as a “customer and a friend, because I go in there every day, if not two times a day.”

“I’ve known Della for many, many, many years,” he said. “I’ve put off doing a fundraiser for a long time. We’ve been talking about this for a while.”

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries announced 11 businesses, including Mail Express, were being fined for the lack of mask use by customers and staff; Mail Express received the largest fine of $7,500.

“Customers not wearing masks and within 6 feet of workers; no signs requiring customers wear masks and no policy if they refused; workers not wearing masks and within 6 feet of each other,” an L&I press release stated. “Owner stated she did not enforce masking because she did not want to be an unpaid agent of the government.”

Although the goal of the GoFundMe is to raise $7,500, none of the money can be used to pay off the fine. Instead, “funds generously donated will be used to bless the recovery efforts of Mail Express,” the fundraiser webpage reads. “Such recovery is necessary due to the impacts of COVID-19.”

Chevassus said the fundraiser isn’t political commentary on his end.

“The main takeaway… is they are real sweet, responsible people,” he continued. “They really do love the community, and I’m hoping other people will start GoFundMe’s for other businesses that are near and dear to their heart.”

To donate to the GoFundMe, head to www.gofundme.com/f/mail-express-covid19-essential-business-recovery; more than $4,600 has already been raised of the $7,499 goal.

Express Mail did not return requests for comment by press deadline.