Millions of dollars have been raised for the customers of Orlando’s Pulse nightclub who became victims when they were shot in June. But as a business owner with employees of his own, Nick Berry hopes the money raised from the upcoming One Orlando South Florida fundraiser will go to help the employees of Pulse.
“They raised a lot of money for the victims but they haven’t raised a lot of money for the bar staff that’s been out of work. When you look at what happened . . . they have rents to pay and car payments. They were hurt in this tragedy just like the victims were.”
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Berry, who co-owns Courtyard Café and Rumors in Wilton Manors, will be one of 11 bar and restaurant owners who will be donating a portion of their liquor and food sales to One Orlando South Florida. Other participating businesses are Tropics, Hunters, Matty’s, Village Pub, Ramrod, Progress Bar, Boardwalk/Beefcakes, le Boy and Gym Bar.
That money will be donated to the Equality Florida Victims Fund, One Orlando Fund and the Equality Florida General Fund.
The events, which range from a Studio 54 disco party to “Latin Night” to watching football games to a female impersonator fashion show, will be held Sept. 11 through 17, in establishments in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale. “Dine Out Orlando” will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 and features restaurants donating a portion of the day’s sales.
“They raised a lot of money for the victims but they haven’t raised a lot of money for the bar staff that’s been out of work. When you look at what happened . . . they have rents to pay and car payments. They were hurt in this tragedy just like the victims were.” — Nick Berry
Along with a percentage of sales, money will also be raised from gift cards, shirts, hats, pins, temporary tattoos and more. All sold by organizers and volunteers. “We’re just looking for some volunteers to help staff these events,” said Thomas Malan, one of the fundraiser’s organizers. He said he needs between three to six volunteers at each event.
If one event isn’t enough for those who want to support the cause, all access passes are available for $35. They’re good for entry to every event and for one free drink from every bar participating.
For a list of events, to purchase an all access pass or to volunteer, visit OneOrlandoSFL.org or the Facebook page – One Orlando South Florida.
- Sept. 11 @ Hunters
- Sept. 12 @ Gym & Progress Bar
- Sept. 14 @ le Boy & Rumors
- Sept. 16 @ Village Pub
- Sept. 17 @ Boardwalk
For additional details on these events please check the website above.
