Catherine Lombardi - Tragedy Befalls A Son of Rutgers: Eric LeGrand Needs Some Help

My Dear Friends and Loyal Customers,

As many of you know Francis and I met at Rutgers during college and I became an avid Rutgers football fan. For years now, I, along with a group of my friends have held a large block of season tickets. I know from so many conversations on the dining room floor that so many of you are connected with the Rutgers community as well.
On October 16th of this year, Rutgers was playing against Army when 20-year-old Eric LeGrand suffered a traumatic injury on the field. As he was carted off the field, he tried to give a thumbs-up but realized he was unable. The injury was to his spinal cord and he was paralyzed from the neck down. His prognosis was grim.

We still have a lot of connection to our old alma matter and with the athletic program in particular. I've never met Eric LeGrand, but everyone who does know him, speaks of a fine young man. I most often hear that if anybody can beat this thing, it will be Eric.

The Rutgers, the New Brunswick and the NJ communities have all showed great support and concern for this young man and his family. Several good folks have put forth the effort to do something a little more concrete. They've established the Believe Fund, which will help Eric and his family through this incredible tragedy.

This kid's plight has really moved Francis and me and all of our employees and so many of you. There are large scale tragedies in the world and we can often offer help that makes a small difference to those affected. That's a good and noble thing. Here is a tragedy however, that hits close to home. Here is a tragedy where we can make a very large difference in the life of one single son of Rutgers.

Here is an interview with Eric that you must see.

After months of intensive care and therapy, Eric has regained sensation throughout his body. He can also move his shoulders. While that's encouraging news, he certainly has a long and difficult struggle ahead of him. We're going to help in our own way, and we're also going to make it easier for others to help as well.

If you are able and inclined to participate, here are two ways you can join us in helping this young man:

The first is simple:
Donate $100 to the "Believe" fund through us, and we will give you a $50 gift certificate to either restaurant. Now these gift certificates can't be combined with each other or other special offers or used for wine dinners or package sales, but 100% of the proceeds will go to Eric's Believe Fund. Send us a check made out to the Believe Fund or call us at 732.828.4444 ext 201 for credit card payment.

The second is delicious:
On Sunday, January 30, Catherine Lombardi and several of our partner restaurants in New Brunswick Rocks are offering simultaneous fund raisers. You can find out about them all here.
At least 50% of the proceeds from all of these will go to Eric's Believe Fund.

We're offering a $100 tasting menu, 60% of which will go to Believe.
We're offering a $250 tasting menu, 75% of which will go to Believe.

Purchase a ticket and make a reservation for either of these menus be emailing jalexhall@stageleft.com or by calling 732.828.4444 ext 201.

Donation are not tax deductable as the "Believe" fund is not a 501c organization. That's because there are many expenses that the family has encountered and will encounter that are not strictly medical. We want the family to be able to use the money for anthing they need.

These are good people in trying times. If you're able to help with resources that would be great. If that's not possible right now, the LeGrand family is grateful that so many people are keeping them in their prayers and rooting for Eric. I hope you will.

Warm regards,
Mark Pascal