The Kent business community is coming together in solidarity to help one of its own.
Carl Bauer, co-owner of Grazers restaurant in Kent, lost his battle with coronary artery disease Feb. 22 after spending most of this month in the hospital. To support his partner Stacey and Grazers, the city’s business community has organized a fundraising event aimed at alleviating the burden of medical bills and related expenses.
Fundraisers are scheduled to take place Saturday, March 2 at various businesses throughout Kent. These include: Flourish Plant Mkt., Hippie Fox Rocks, Branded in Kent, Daisy Pops, Sun in Leo, Kent Cycle, Squirrel City Jewelers, Bent Tree Coffee, Scribbles, Erie St. Kitchen, Tiger Rae, Belleria, The Kent Stage, Zephyr Pub, and Rocco’s Cupcake Café, all of which are donating a portion of their daily sales to be gifted to Stacey, in addition to money raised through raffles occurring that same day. The Kent Jaycees will also be offering a raffle item.
Also, Over Easy at the Depot at 152 Franklin Ave. will hold a celebration of life in Carl’s memory from 4 to 10 p.m. March 2. The event will feature an optional potluck, cash bar, snacks and raffle items, while all proceeds from Carl’s favorite cocktail, Crown & Coke, will be donated to Grazers. Over Easy’s staff will be available to cook any food that attendees bring for the potluck.
Donations can be made in Carl’s honor at the celebration of life. For anyone unable to attend but interested in contributing, a GoFundMe has been set up at https://gofund.me/46950db9. Donations can also be made at Grazers.Kent.com, or dropped off or mailed to: Grazers Restaurant, 123 N. Water St., Kent, OH 44240.
For more information about the fundraiser, contact Michela Rocco, owner of Rocco’s Cupcake Café, at [email protected].
Tom Hardesty is a Portager sports columnist. He was formerly assistant sports editor at the Record-Courier and author of the book Glimpses of Heaven.