Friends and family,

As we come to focus our hearts and minds on pausing to rest & recover from a challenging year, I must share an urgent update from one of our own! If you’ve visited historic HG Roosters for happy hour in the past 21 years, then you’ve surely met bartender Artie Vale. Always there to greet with a smile and a joke, Artie is one of our longest running gay bartenders in the state. And with that station, Artie has been integral to the LGBT community of Palm Beach County, making us feel at home while part of a multitude of fundraisers and charity events alike throughout the decades. 

With COVID-19 and then a sudden fire shutting down our home bar Roosters, plus a necessary heart surgery scheduled, Artie has been quarantined under doctor’s orders at home. Artie’s expectation of a quick & easy heart surgery has complicated over the weekend and he was admitted to the ER for open heart surgery, requiring replacement of 1 valve and 1 artery. After two days in the ER, Artie now faces another week in the ICU for therapy, followed by 6-8 weeks recovery at home with no strenuous activity. While this major surgery is partially covered by his insurance, Artie’s deductible has increased. Add this to rent, utilities, and living expenses, and FL unemployment insurance can only go so far. For this reason, I’ve set up this account to collect any funds your generosity can extend to rally behind our Artie and help him through this tough time.