Support for Ari
Donation protected
On a warm Monday August night, Ari finished his shift and took the train downtown to head home. While walking home from the train, he was approached by two males who tried to rob him, when Ari protested, he was attacked from behind and knocked out with a 2x4 across his neck and back of the head. When he came to, stunned, he stumbled into a cab and went home. Not having any knowledge of what had just happened, he went home, went to bed, and went to work the next day- with a terrible headache.
After his shift, he stopped by to visit a fellow bartender, where he fainted and blacked out cold. His bartender pal, assumed he was tired and intoxicated and called him a taxi to drive him home. Still not knowing what was happening, the next morning Ari decided he needed to get to the ER and called a cab. Ironically, the same taxi driver who brought him home after the attack, picked him up for the ride to HCMC and was able to recount to Ari the story of the events of the attempted mugging two nights before.
After hours of scans, tests, and testing his patience, Ari was diagnosed with a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), he was experiencing numbness in his arms and hands and an ultra sound revealed that he had fractures to 3 of his cervical vertebrae. While he waits for surgery, which is about 3 weeks out, he has been ordered not to bartend. After surgery, he will be out of work another 2-3 months.
Chances are if you've EVER been out downtown- Ari has served you a drink, bought you a drink, or had a drink with you. He's a familiar and always smiling face to everyone. Like many of us who still do, and have once worked in this business, bartending is his bread and butter. He's got a long road ahead of him, where he won't be making any bread or butter. Along with the upside of the business, comes the downsides..... lack of employer benefits like paid leave, disability, or even health insurance.
Ari has always stepped up ready to help anyone when needed, he's held numerous benefits and silent auctions for friends and non-profits, raising thousands of dollars for others in need, even strangers. I'm reaching out to all of the friends and people who know and care about Ari and asking you to support him. Instead of buying him a drink, your donation would buy him groceries, assist in paying his bills, and help with medical costs.
After his shift, he stopped by to visit a fellow bartender, where he fainted and blacked out cold. His bartender pal, assumed he was tired and intoxicated and called him a taxi to drive him home. Still not knowing what was happening, the next morning Ari decided he needed to get to the ER and called a cab. Ironically, the same taxi driver who brought him home after the attack, picked him up for the ride to HCMC and was able to recount to Ari the story of the events of the attempted mugging two nights before.
After hours of scans, tests, and testing his patience, Ari was diagnosed with a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), he was experiencing numbness in his arms and hands and an ultra sound revealed that he had fractures to 3 of his cervical vertebrae. While he waits for surgery, which is about 3 weeks out, he has been ordered not to bartend. After surgery, he will be out of work another 2-3 months.
Chances are if you've EVER been out downtown- Ari has served you a drink, bought you a drink, or had a drink with you. He's a familiar and always smiling face to everyone. Like many of us who still do, and have once worked in this business, bartending is his bread and butter. He's got a long road ahead of him, where he won't be making any bread or butter. Along with the upside of the business, comes the downsides..... lack of employer benefits like paid leave, disability, or even health insurance.
Ari has always stepped up ready to help anyone when needed, he's held numerous benefits and silent auctions for friends and non-profits, raising thousands of dollars for others in need, even strangers. I'm reaching out to all of the friends and people who know and care about Ari and asking you to support him. Instead of buying him a drink, your donation would buy him groceries, assist in paying his bills, and help with medical costs.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Robinson
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Ari Mlnarik
Beneficiary