Politics & Government
Fundraiser Saturday in Cotati to Benefit Wounded Army Soldier From Petaluma
The goal is to raise at least $5,000.
By Bay City News Service
The Friar Tucks Pub in Cotati will hold a fundraiser Saturday for a wounded Army sergeant from Petaluma.
Sgt. Monte Bernardo, 30, lost two legs -- one from the knee down and one from above the knee -- and his left hand in a blast in Afghanistan on July 4. He is undergoing physical therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., according to Choissette Colet, a bookkeeper at Friar Tucks Pub. Colet and Bernardo attended Petaluma Junior High School and grew up together during their teen years.
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"My fiancé is Monte's step-brother," Colet said.
Saturday's fundraiser includes a silent auction and a raffle and double-elimination pool tournament. The pub and restaurant will donate 20 percent of food sales between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., Colet said. One of the hamburgers on the menu will be named after Bernardo, Colet said. Items donated for the silent auction include a gas barbecue grill, garden baskets with plants, seeds and tools, free workouts at a fitness club for a month, and a VIP outing for four at a winery.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The goal is to raise $5,000, Colet said. A recovery fund also has been established at www.montebernardo.org to help pay for Bernardo's medical expenses not covered by insurance. It has raised $25,000 and hopes to reach $100,000, Colet said. Friar Tucks Pub and Restaurant is located at 8201 Old Redwood Highway in Cotati.
