Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Fundraiser for Injured Bicyclist Dustin Valenta on Mon. 2/25

On Monday, February 25th the Wicker Park bar Bangers & Lace (1670 W. Division St., Chicago, IL) will be holding A Benefit for Dustin Valenta. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO DUSTIN AND HIS FAMILY. The Benefit begins at 2 p.m. and goes until closing time at 1 a.m. A raffle, organized by Dustin's co-workers at Cut Cats Courier, will be held at 9 p.m. Raffle prizes include items from Ska Brewing, Spiteful Brewing, Solemn Oath Brewing, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Trash Messenger Bags, Freight Baggage, and more. Updated information on the Benefit is available at the event's Facebook page
Dustin is a bicycle courier who was critically injured when he was doored by one driver and then possibly struck by a second driver on Friday, February 8th near 1443 N. Milwaukee Avenue. He suffered severe injuries including a punctured lung and fractures of his skull, pelvis, and 23 out of his 24 ribs. He is still in the ICU at Northwestern University Hospital and faces a long recovery and rehabilitation process. Dustin's family came to Illinois immediately after he was injured, and have remained with him since then. 

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser on Monday there are other ways you can help Dustin and his family. On Saturday, February 23 a bake sale will be held at The Bike Lane bike shop (2130 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL). All proceeds from the bake sale go to Dustin and The Bike Shop will give a 15% discount to anyone who makes a donation. 

You can also support Dustin and his family by donating online to Dustin Valenta's Hit & Run Medical Fund.  We are still seeking information about the incident in which Dustin was injured. If you have any information please contact Dustin's attorney, Mike Keating, by emailing mkeating@keatinglegal.com or calling him at 312-208-7702. All phone calls and emails are returned promptly.  

Everyone here wishes Dustin a complete and speedy recovery. We also extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the Chicago bike community and Wicker Park community for their assistance in investigating this matter.