May 14, 2015 By Michael Florio
A Sunnyside bar is attempting to raise money for a toddler with cerebral palsy who is in need of a life-changing operation.
The Jar Bar, located at 45-06 48th Ave, will be hosting the fundraiser this Saturday from 8 pm to 1 am, according to bar owner Jason Spratt.
The event will cost $50 for an open bar and food—all provided by The Jar Bar—with all funds going to the parents of Rory Gallagher, a two-year old with cerebral palsy.
Gallagher, who is Spratt’s nephew, was diagnosed when he was eight months old and his family was told that he would never walk or talk. However, Spratt said he has already defied the odds by being able to communicate and say some words.
“He can say ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy’ and shake his head yes and no,” he said.
Spratt is hopeful his nephew will be able to beat the odds again, and is attempting to use this open bar to help raise $120,000 so his nephew can undergo a life-changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Missouri.
The hospital neurosurgeon said Gallagher would be able to leave the hospital walking with the use of crutches and would be able to go on to live a more independent life.
“After the surgery we are told he would walk and wouldn’t have to be in a wheel chair or wear a diaper the rest of his life,” Spratt said. “He wouldn’t have to be in so much pain.”
Spratt said this is a cause so close to his heart not only because it is his nephew, but because he has seen the effects of this disease first hand.
“It is hard to deal with it,” he said.
The bar will also be selling 200 50/50 raffle tickets, at $50 apiece, with $5,000 to going to the winner and $5,000 toward the surgery.
Spratt said he is unsure what kind of turnout to expect on Saturday, but is hopeful a lot of people will come and support the cause.
“Even if we only raise $5,000, it is better than nothing,” he said. “But I am hopeful that people will come support this great cause.”
“This is a little different than most fundraisers,” he added. “You are giving a toddler, who hasn’t experienced life, a chance.”
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6 Comments
Thank you…….wish you success
Will the website take donations in dollars? Maybe I’ll just go up to the bar tomorrow. Will they be there in the afternoon.
Great bar, even better people!
You can also send donations:
http://www.rorygallagherswishtowalk.com/events.html
I hope a lot of people go. this seems like a very worthy cause.
The Jar Bar is a great place to have a drink. Not as fancy as the watering holes on Skillman but that’s part if its charm.
Thanks everyone at Sunnyside Post for helping us spread awareness and thanks also to the many local businesses that have generously donated spot prizes to raffle on the night, your support is greatly appreciated!