Having a stroke on New Year’s day at the young age of 39 Asa Pollard had no idea that a community would come together with overwhelming generosity to help. Co-workers, friends and even strangers plan to attend a special event in his honor on Sunday, January 24, 6pm at the new Capitol Restaurant in downtown Bend.
Asa, who grew up in Texas, moved to Bend a couple years ago from Portland. He has been working in the restaurant industry first at McMenamins Old St Francis School, then The Loft, helping to open up 28 Bistro and most recently the Capitol.
New Years day morning was to change his life drastically when he had a stroke that has left him paralyzed on the right side. While he has regained some of his memory and speech he still reaches for words and is in intense speech, physical and occupational therapy. According to Chris Hardy of The Loft who is helping to head up the fundraiser, Asa was healthy and worked out regularly and the stroke came as a big surprise.
Hardy says the thing that has amazed him the most is the incredible generosity displayed in our community. “I talked to Adam Bledsoe about the situation who has offered to let Loft members know as well as donate a $2,000 membership that could be auctioned off at the event.” Many members of the Loft have already contributed to a special fund for Asa.
Hardy has already found someone who has agreed to write the $2,000 check for Asa and take the membership. “People have been completing willing to help with this…from the owners of the Capitol to numerous downtown stores and restaurants giving gift certificates, merchandise from their stores including Ace Hardware, Lulus, Desperado and places like Zydeco, Ariana’s, Astro Lounge, Summit.”
If you would like to contribute there’s a Go Fund Me page for Asa Pollard, a Facebook page and you can drop off donations to Chris at the Loft on Bond Street downtown.
The January 24 event plans to be a happening event.
$10 suggested cover charge with lives music, $5 raffle of at least 40 different gift cards,
Live Music
The Doc’s of Rock opening
GBots & the Journeymen
DJ: Mark Brody
Capitol Restaurant
190 NW Oregon Street
