A benefit was held at Clancy’s Public House in the Portage Mall on Friday night for Adam “Pasko” Paskevich, who was critically burned in an apartment fire in the month of December.
Paskevich suffered from burns on over 35 percent of his body. Family and friends are hoping to raise money to help pay for the necessary surgeries he will need to have. He is currently at Loyola University Medical Center.
Starting at 6:00, those who bought a dinner ticket gathered in the back room of Clancy’s for a steak dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse.
Tickets for the dinner were $25.00, which included the $10.00 donation at the door. There was a buffet set up with steak, chicken, potatoes and salad. A variety of desserts were donated by guests of the benefit.
For those who did not purchase a ticket for a dinner, they were able to make a $10.00 donation at the door starting at 7:30 to enter the benefit, which included a 50/50 raffle, gift raffle and music. Music was provided by Dan Reisen, a local favorite.
Items such as gift baskets were raffled off featuring items like an autographed Bears football signed by Matt Forte, an autographed Cubs ball signed by Jeff Samardzija, a Bears blanket made specifically for the event, Blackhawks tickets, Bulls tickets and a Weber Grill.
There was a large sign set up in the dining room where those attending the benefit could sign their names with a Sharpie. The board was red with black letters saying “EVERYBODY LOVES PASKO”. Eventually, the board will be clear coated and made into a beer pong table for Paskevich.
T-shirts and bracelets were for sale, with the shirt saying “Everybody loves Pasko” and including the date and place of the benefit, and the bracelet saying “Everybody loves Pasko” as well. Shirts were $7.00 and bracelets were one for $3.00 or two for $5.00.
According to Clancy’s Public House owner Brendan Clancy, it was an honor to host the benefit.
“When I heard about the benefit from Missy Mattingly [benefit coordinator], I was more than excited to hop on board. Mr. Pasko is a great young man and whatever we can do to help him and the community we always try to do,” Clancy said.
According to Mattingly, Paskevich is now out of intensive care. He is now able to do functions such as eating and talking, although he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him.
There is an official donation account where friends and loved ones can send in donations towards a trust fund account for Paskevich. Those wishing to donate can visit http://www.gofundme.com/officialpaskodonations.