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Rí Rá at Mandalay Place hosts a fund-raiser for bartender Paul “Junior” Walsh on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 3 p.m. until late. Walsh suffered a heart attack and car crash recently and accrued nearly $100,000 in medical bills during his recuperation.
Folk band The Black Donnellys leads the 12-hour fund-raiser that features performances by local artists throughout the weekend. Raffles and collection buckets help gather donations, and all draft beer sales during the event as well as staff tips will go toward a donation.
In December, Walsh suffered cardiac arrest while driving to the store alone, resulting in a car crash. An off-duty officer witnessed the crash and resuscitated him until paramedics arrived to rush him to Spring Valley Hospital. There, Walsh underwent a number of surgeries, including a pacemaker implantation that saved his life. All funds raised during the event will directly help pay for nearly $100,000 in hospital bills.
