One of our own needs our help - Chef Rick Adams

I can't make it to Wild Ginger, but would love to help out. Let me know if PayPal is an option, or where I can send a check.

Thanks!

Thanks, Sherrie...still getting it together, but we'll let you know.

I am humbled by the response of the forum. Thanks, everyone! I have gotten several private messages in support in addition to the posts on this thread. This makes me feel good.

Stevie P and Marsha L: You have a PM

Anyone who needs to mail a donation can send it L&N - we will get it to him ASAP... thanks Marsha; Rick was a valued member of our team for a long time, and we still consider him family.
1765 Mellwood Avenue 40206

Check your in box.

Anyone who needs to mail a donation can send it L&N - we will get it to him ASAP... thanks Marsha; Rick was a valued member of our team for a long time, and we still consider him family.
1765 Mellwood Avenue 40206

Modest but on its way.

Sorry to hear this. My wife suffered a closed head injury from a fall last May and she is still recovering. It is an awful injury. It leads to depression, anxiety, and memory loss. Rick needs to follow up with the Dr. If not it will only get worse. I suggest Dr. Charles Oates. We went through two others before this guy came into my restaurant. He is awesome. Thanks Marsha for stepping up.

this hits pretty close to home for me. 9 days (nights) ago, i was mugged in front of my apartment in old louisville. 2 ct scans, 1 concussion, and 12 staples later, here i sit. i get the staples out tomorrow, thank god.
to L & N... would it be possible for me to swing by early tomorrow afternoon and contribute a lil something?

get better, Rick. we're all pulling for you, sir.

Marsha -
I sent you a PM as well. However, this post reminds me of a discussion that came up a while back (several years) when Adam at Oak Street Pizza was robbed and shot and this Forum came up big for him. I remembered that someone back then had made a suggestion of starting an "Emergency Relief Fund" for those in the restaurant biz. I loved this idea back then, but my hands were so full that I couldn't think of putting another thing on my plate (so to speak). I did a search and found the original post by Luca B - I hope he won't mind my re-pasting a portion of it:

It is similar to MERF or musicians emergency relief fund. The great folks at Mom's music started years ago to help local musicians in need. Whether it be a musician who's gear was stolen or a musician who is sick with no insurance. They raise money throughout the year to go to this fund and they have a board who decides who gets what.
My idea was SERF or server's emergency relief fund. Many if not most restaurant workers do not have insurance. I would think that local establishments would be willing to donate proceeds at certain times of the year to help build a bank for restaurant people.

While I'm still busy, a number of my volunteer "jobs" are ending, so I thought that I'd resurface this idea with the hope that others might jump on board as a "feasibility task force" to help look into getting this started. While I've never started a 501 C3 or a charitable fund, I'm not bad at organizing and investigating We'd want to determine how to start, operating principles, need a lawyer or two to donate some time pro-bono, determine the structure of a board and how much money we'd need prior to starting to give grants, determine eligibility criteria and a process for decision making, and establish some ways to sustainably fund. Off the top of my head, it would be great if this could become the "designated charity" for many of our Throwdown events (although there is also benefit to sharing the wealth).

OK, so that's my soapbox. Robin may want to move this post to it's own thread if we have interest, but right now, just looking to see if others think this is a good idea and especially if there are people who are willing to help figure out what it will take to make it happen. All the best wishes and prayers to Rick and thanks Marsha for letting everyone know about this!

What a great idea to resurrect, Melissa.

Today, I just took what we collected from a few very generous donors and got it to Rick so he can go to the doctor, get checked out, and get any prescriptions they give him filled. He seemed in good spirits (despite his obvious injuries), considering, and will be sending personal thank yous to those who helped out today.

Several people contacted me after I thought we'd already collected enough. Thanks to everyone who contributed or offered to contribute. Nancy, it was lovely of you to offer to be another collection point, and of course if anything ends up at L&N Nancy or I will make sure it gets to Rick as well.

Just a heads-up, I may ask Robin to remove this thread in the next day or so...no sense in having it floating out there in the ether years from now, eh?

What a great community we have. You guys truly warm my heart.

[Robin Garr]

... I thought that I'd resurface this idea with the hope that others might jump on board as a "feasibility task force" to help look into getting this started. While I've never started a 501 C3 or a charitable fund, I'm not bad at organizing and investigating We'd want to determine how to start, operating principles, need a lawyer or two to donate some time pro-bono, determine the structure of a board and how much money we'd need prior to starting to give grants, determine eligibility criteria and a process for decision making, and establish some ways to sustainably fund. Off the top of my head, it would be great if this could become the "designated charity" for many of our Throwdown events (although there is also benefit to sharing the wealth).

OK, so that's my soapbox. Robin may want to move this post to it's own thread if we have interest, but right now, just looking to see if others think this is a good idea and especially if there are people who are willing to help figure out what it will take to make it happen. All the best wishes and prayers to Rick and thanks Marsha for letting everyone know about this!

I like it, Melissa! Let's start a new thread, though. Would you consider reposting again, to separate it from this discussion about Rick? As Marsha said, it might be well to remove this thread from search engines' eyes now that we've raised a few bucks for the purpose.

I was in on the first MERF show and fund. The founder, Marvin Maxwell (Mom's Music) had severely injured his ankle in a wreck and was under or not insured. Being the wonderful business person he is, this led to a successful fund which has helped an incredible amount of people. The concerts and fundraisers are fantastic and their board is staffed by volunteers. The proceeds go to the needy!

You should contact Marvin about this fund, as he would be happy to help. Also, I think restaurant and musicians are much in the same boat as far as benefits, jobs, etc.

You can feel free to contact me personally for contact info. Best wishes to Rick, we'll be glad to help!

Anyone who needs to mail a donation can send it L&N - we will get it to him ASAP... thanks Marsha; Rick was a valued member of our team for a long time, and we still consider him family.
1765 Mellwood Avenue 40206

Nancy, what time is the earliest someone will be at L&N ?

While I am no way discounting the wonderful generosity of this community - Rick should also consider applying for help from the Indigent Care Fund at U of L Hospital. If he needs a lot of care or long term care, this could keep his medical care consistent and on-going. Applying will put him into the "loop" to get referrals and additional help he may need. I know it may be hard for some folks to ask for help like this, but consider that you have paid taxes, this fund is partially tax supported and this is here to help so you can pay taxes again.

Will be dropping some $$ off somewhere, as soon as i figure out what I am going to doing over the next couple of days.

Usually don't arrive before 1pm (no lunch). Mailbox on the front porch if you like.

Anyone who needs to mail a donation can send it L&N - we will get it to him ASAP... thanks Marsha; Rick was a valued member of our team for a long time, and we still consider him family.
1765 Mellwood Avenue 40206

Also modest, but in the mail.