Donate to the Michael Brewer Fund
On October 12, 2009, fifteen-year-old Michael Brewer was surrounded by a group of neighborhood bullies. One of the suspects intentionally doused and poured a flammable liquid all over Michael's body. Another suspect took a lighter and he deliberately ignited it and set Michael on fire. Michael sustained severe burns covering approximately 80% of his body. Michael is currently at Jackson Memorial Burn Center, where he is expected to stay for at least the next six months as he undergoes numerous painstaking surgeries and skin grafts.
Please help us help Michael. His medical bills are insurmountable and will be overwhelming for his family. Many members of this community have already come together and offered their support. Neighbors 4 Neighbors will be taking in donations through the Family Fund for Michael Brewer. Click here to donate online, or call 305-597-4404.
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings Issues Congressional Record Statement On the Floor of the House of Representatives Honoring Michael's Courage
Congressman Hastings honored the courage and strength of Michael Brewer by giving the following speech on November 17, 2009:
"Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 15-year-old Michael Brewer of Deerfield Beach, Florida, whose courage and strength defy the atrocious attack he has endured. Michael sustained burns to over 65 percent of his body after a group of schoolmates set him on fire in an act of cruel revenge. On October 12, 2009, neighborhood bullies Matthew Bent, 15; brothers Denver and Jeremy Jarvis, 15 and 13 respectively; Steven Shelton, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 15; surrounded Michael in the parking lot of Limetree Village Apartments, poured rubbing alcohol on him, and set him on fire with a lighter. Led by Bent, the bullies sought him out and terrorized him for not paying back $40 borrowed to buy a video game. Michael had called the police the night before the encounter when Bent attempted to steal a $500 custom bike from Michael's father at their home.
I am truly shocked and outraged by this heinous crime. Michael still remains in critical condition at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital Burn Center and will have to endure a long and painful recovery process. A 7th grader at Deerfield Beach Middle School, he has since received hundreds of cards and letters of support from fellow classmates and well-wishers from around the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael, his family, and friends during this most difficult time. It is heartening to hear that Michael's first surgery went well and that his doctors are cautiously optimistic about his recovery.
In addition, I want to commend the South Florida community for coming together to raise money in order to help the Brewer family pay for Michael's medical expenses. During these difficult economic times, these Floridians have shown their true colors by extending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. In particular, I would like to recognize Neighbors 4 Neighbors for raising more than $10,000 for Michael, and Broward Sheriff's detective Joe Kessling for his leadership and community activism.
Madam Speaker, we must stop the dangerous values of bullying and violence from being perpetuated in our schools and communities. Young people like Michael deserve a safe educational environment in which they can reach their full potential and become respectful, contributing members of our society."
Fundraising Events Around South Florida
Mikey's Cause at the Mondrian, November 6th
Neighbors 4 Neighbors would like to thank all those who packed a South Beach fundraiser for the Broward teen set on fire. CBS4 meteorologist Jeff Berardelli helped with the fundraiser at the Mondrian on South Beach, called Mikey's Cause, along with Cynthia Demos and Lissette Gonzalez. Neighbors 4 Neighbors, which sponsored the event, brought in an army of Bank Atlantic volunteers who helped out.
To view a slideshow of Friday's event, click here.
For a $25 donation guests were treated to an open bar provided by Grey Goose vodka, Dziaq Liquer & Conjure Cognac from 8-10 p.m. There was also a silent auction and raffle with prizes that included a 7-night Royal Caribbean Cruise, an autographed Dolphins football, tickets to various sporting events & concerts and various other valuable prizes.
Early counts show the event raised more than $14,000 in cash and checks. Credit card donations and bar proceeds will be tallied on Monday. One donor, Andrew Fredman, a friend of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, donated $75,000; he's already written the check. Also a representative from the Shriners organization announced the Shriners would be willing to take care of Brewer's medical care until he is 18-years-old at their hospital in Cleveland. Rick Shaw and Magic 102.7 attended the event donating various prizes as well as a check for $1,300.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors would like to thank everyone who helped put the event together including Mirs Guazzini, President of For a Cause LLC, who generously donated countless hours and expertise to help make this successful. Other members of the host committee who helped publicize the event and gather raffle items include Carmel Dubuque, Amy Rosenburg, Tiffany Rosen, Hassan Radouane, Fabiola Castro Robles & Aaron Resnick.
Glacier Ice and Snow Arena, Saturday, November 7th
Christen Kelley, a student at Deerfield Beach Middle School, organized a fundraiser for Michael Brewer. It was held at Glacier Ice and Snow Arena on Saturday, November 7 from 8-10 pm. Glacier is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Foundation, and determined the amount of the donation based on the number of flyers turned in at the event. Says Lynn Kelley, Christen's mom: "We raised $250 at the skating event and also had a $30 cash donation as well. I want to thank Hal and Glacier for helping with this event and for the donation."
Absolutely Radio Bug 24-hour Online Radio Marathon, Saturday, November 14th
Absolutely Radio Bug (ARB) is an internet radio station that can be found online at www.absolutelyradiobug.net whose DJs come from all over the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Several other stations have graciously agreed to rebroadcast the marathon on their stations. They are Blast Radio, LG73, The Big Joe and RadioAddix, all of which are independent internet only radio stations with listeners from a great many countries across the globe. In addition to being a standard internet radio station, ARB focuses on providing resources and support for individuals with disabilities. They hope that our marathon will shore up Michael's family and let him know that people all over the place are wishing them well.
Silpada Designs & Baja Cafe, November 14th
Joanne Massey-Dean of Silpada Designs and Baja Cafe will be holding a benefit for Michael on 11/14/09 from 5:00 until 7:30 (approx) at the Baja Cafe, 1301 S Fed Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL. Proceeds from sale of Silpada Jewelry that evening will go to Michael. There will be raffles with proceeds from tickets to Michael. Contact Joanne Massey-Dean at 954-562-8128 for further information.
Inaugural Poker Run, Sunday, November 15th
Join 93 ROCK, Sunday November 15th, for Booby Trap's Inaugural Poker Run to benefit Michael Brewer with the help of Neighbors 4 Neighbors. Whether you drive or ride, all Road Warriors are welcome to participate for the $500 best hand Grand Prize and $150 to the worst hand. Stop by any Booby Trap location or Lefty's Wings & Raw Bar to pre-register for just $25 or pay $30 at the run.
The Poker Run starts around 10am at the Booby Trap in Doral and ends at the Booby Trap in Pompano. Enjoy Live Music with Riverdown, raffles and special prizes all night long. All of the proceeds benefit Michael Brewer with the help of Neighbors 4 Neighbors. 93 ROCK will be at both the start and the finish with tons of prizes, music and more.
Hurricane Grill & Wings, Monday, November 16th
Hurricane Grill & Wings will be donating 15% of all sales on Monday, November 16th, to Michael Brewer's family. Hurricane Grill & Wings is located at Jacaranda Square, 1905 N. Pine Island Road, on the Northwest corner of Pine Island & Sunrise. Please download the flyer or call 954-475-8815 for more information.
Have a Heart Charities and Buffalo Wings & Rings, Thursday, November 19th
Have a Heart Charities will host a charity dinner for the benefit of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Inc./Michael Brewer Fund on November 19th from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at Buffalo Wings & Rings in Coconut Creek. Download this flyer and have dinner, and BWR will donate 15% of your check to teh Fund. There will also be prizes and raffles! BWR is located in the Promenade at 4443 Lyons Rd Coconut Creek, (954) 978-9688. For more information, please call Dore Perler at (954) 232-5363, Andy Siegerman at (954) 796-4050, or visit www.haveaheartcharities.com.
South Florida F.O.O.L.S. & America's Backyard, Friday, November 20th
This event will benefit both 'Feeding South Florida' (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) and the Michael Brewer family. The event will be sponsored by both South Florida Fraternal Order of Leatherhead Society ("F.O.O.L.S." for short) and America's Backyard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are asking for entrants to bring any non-perishable items (cans) / food donations and will also be accepting tax-deductible cash donations. The event is Friday November 20, 2009 5p-12a. There will be a live band, DJ, drink specials all night, and food, and will be having a 50/50 raffle as well for the cause. "South Florida F.O.O.L.S." is a group of South Florida firefighters that have a passion for not only the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged between firefighters, but the rich tradition and heritage of the Fire Service. Since 1995, this brotherhood has grown to over seven thousand strong across the US. For more information, contact Mark J. Rossi by email.
Galuppi's Restaurant, Saturday, November 21st
The owner of Galuppi's Restaurant in Pompano Beach has agreed to host a fundraising benefit at Galuppi's on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM to raise money for Michael. This benefit will include a silent auction, which includes items from autographed sports memorabilia, a Good Year Blimp ride, to professionally guided fishing and hunting trips, plus many more great items. Moss Construction donated a sky box for a Florida Panthers game and a sky box for a Miami Hurricanes game for the silent auction. There will also be a raffle which includes hundreds of prizes; Grand Prize is a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise for two. All of the proceeds will go to Michael. Your donations are tax deductible.
Several Miami Dolphin football players will be at Galuppi's signing autographs, and Games On The GO will be at this event with a mobile video arcade. There will also be bounce houses. For more information about the fundraiser, please download the flyer, or contact Grant Galuppi at (561) 305-4726, Joe Kessling at (954) 812-6836, or Melissa Pollack at (954) 818-4847.
Lenny's Subs, Janel "The Discount Diva" Rana, and Ced's Sweet Treats Ice Cream Truck, Monday, December 7th
Lenny's will donate 25% of their entire sales for the day (dine in or to go) for anyone who makes a purchase anytime after 11am on December 7th. Additionally, all Lenny's purchases made during the 6pm-9pm time slot will go into a drawing, & you get to pick the prize of choice if you win from a variety of restaurants, attractions & services. You can also buy raffle tickets, 1 ticket for $2 or 3 tickets for $5. This can be paid for by cash or check only! Lenny's Subs is located at 1101 South Powerline Road in Deerfield Beach (1 block South of SW10th on Powerline). Parking will be available in the empty grass area just past Lenny's on your right side.
Also that evening, featuring Ced's Sweet Treats Ice Cream Truck! ALL novelties will be $2 each, & 50% of Ced's profits will also be donated! Bring $2 (cash only) & Janel will give you a ticket for your yummy dessert! Entertainment will be provided by Judi the AMAZING Balloon Lady of BalloonMasterz.com
VIP Combo with RSVP: FREE large fountain drink & bag of chips from 6pm-9pm. RSVP (deadline 12/6) & secure your VIP combo from 6pm-9pm, email JanelRana@Yahoo.com with your first & last name & include the number of guests in your party. You will receive a ticket to redeem your VIP combo upon attendance to the event.
If you would like to contribute a raffle prize, please email JanelRana@Yahoo.com. For more information, check out DiscountDiva.Multiply.com.
