Wolff’s Biergarten and Mark Graydon‘s friends and family come together for a fundraiser for the general manager who is fighting a brain tumor.
Mark Graydon is the owner at The Olde English Pub and manager and loved bartender/soccer fan at Wolff’s Biergarten. Recently Graydon had to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove an unexpected tumor and Wolff’s Biergarten will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, to give his supporters and friends an opportunity to let Mark and his family know they are thinking of him.
The idea for the fundraiser came from Rick Kelley, a local firefighter who has been a customer at the Biergarten and one of the many lives that Graydon has touched over the years.
“Mark is one of the most likable people and easily one of the best bartenders I’ve ever met,” says Wolff’s owner Matt Baumgartner.
Graydon is a soccer connoisseur and most soccer fans have joined the community that Graydon has created at Wolff’s. But even more than that, Graydon’s friends span in front and behind the bar and his positive attitude has become infectious. With the tumor and surgery, it’s been trying for Graydon but not all bad news as just recently he and his wife Greta welcomed twins into their family.
“Everyone feels relaxed and happy when Matt is around and customers come in specifically to see him when he is working. A lot of people have grown to care for him and his family so when they heard about the surgery they wanted to help out in some way,” says Baumgartner.
The fundraiser will feature live music from the Graydon’s friends who play live at Olde English as well as silent auctions from local restaurants and businesses who have donated gifts and prizes.
“If this happened to anyone else, Mark would be the first person to throw a fundraiser,” says Baumgartner, who is looking forward to a night of support for Graydon and his family.
Graydon’s return to the Wolff’s bar is dependent on his doctor’s okay, which could be as early as December if all goes well.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” Baumgartner says. “It’s been really good news so far, and hopefully we will see him back to work soon.”
Right now they have about 130 sign-ups and would like to hit the 200 mark. One hundred percent of the door, raffles, auctions and other fundraising efforts will go directly to Graydon.
Visit Wolff’s Biergarten.
Get tickets for the fundraiser for Mark Graydon or donate here.