Equinox

[SamanthaF]

Got this email from equinox

A tragedy struck one of the servers from Equinox Restaurant; on

Thursday, May 8th,

Med Nadifi was in a near fatal car accident. He has been in a coma since

then and in critical condition at G.W. hospital. Med, like so many of

our fellow "hospitalians", has no health insurance. The need to raise

money quickly for Med is urgent. His family's resources are stretched

very thin. He needs constant and continuous care. The staff of Equinox

invites you to a fundraiser brunch on June 8th from 1 ? 4pm. We

encourage you to stop by, grab a bite and offer support to his family

and friends. There will be an unbelievable silent auction, live music,

plenty of great food and it is free ? bring friends! Please represent

the hospitality industry of which Med has been a part of since he was 14

years old and make a donation for Med. Anything you can afford be it

$1.00 or $50.00 anything will help.

June 8th from 1 - 4pm:

Equinox Restaurant

818 Connecticut Ave NW

Please RSVP to 202-331-8118 or Frernge@aol.com

Many thanks - Ellen, Todd and the staff of Equinox

[Fat Guy]

Med, like so many of our fellow "hospitalians", has no health insurance.

Thanks for this post, which underscores the above, which raises the question: why not?

Terrible financial situations like this would not arise if employers did their part by creating medical plans for all their employees.

[Malawry]

I spoke with one of my classmates, who is working at Equinox, about this just yesterday. She said they do not normally serve a brunch at Equinox and that everybody who works there and is involved is personally bringing a dish for the brunch. Sounds like a chance to sample a lot of different treats otherwise not available at Equinox.

[BBhasin]

Samantha/Malawry

we did send them some money and a gift certificate for the silent auction. I was just curious about the turnout and the funds raised. and how is Med doing now?

[John W.]

Good turnout, raised about $3500 from the silent auction, doesn't include the wine lots. A good vibe altogether.

Unfortunately, Med is still in a coma.

[Malawry]

My insider connection reported a much larger dollar figure than the $3500 reported. More than that, I am not at liberty to say. She said the event was a big success financially. Unfortunately, I did not make it.

[awbrig]

This is sad. I hope he will be ok. Can you provide an address if someone would like to send a contribution that is not in DC...

I recall when Chef Patrick Clark passed away with no insurance for his family and a book was issued to help the family....Very sad...

[Malawry]

I am certain that sending a contribution to the restaurant will be effective. I'll ask for more information on Saturday when I see my friend again.

[jparrott]

I added my contribution on to my last credit card check there, and a friend gave them a credit card number over the phone. So plenty of ways to help out.

And I'm with Mal on the number being much higher than $3500.

[John W.]

I meant $3500 for the live auction only. I found out today that the total amount raised was 35K. A lot was donated by Regine Palladin who was Med's old employer.

Edited June 19, 2003 by John W. (log)

[Mark Sommelier]

I love Regine Palladin.

[SamanthaF]

I'm glad I posted this.

[SamanthaF]

Is there any news on Meds condition?