Strangers, Troopers & Friends Of Fallen Trooper Dine At Chili's To Raise Funds For Family
DENVER (CBS4) - People across the state are eating out for a cause. Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants will donate 15 percent of Monday's net sales proceeds to the family of Colorado State Trooper Jaimie Jursevics, who was killed Nov. 15 by a suspected drunk driver.
Police arrested Retired Army Col. Eric Henderson on charges of vehicular homicide, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence.
The fundraiser is going on at all 35 Chili's in Colorado all day Monday. Just bring an appetite, and mention the Trooper Jursevics fundraiser to the server.
Hundreds of strangers, friends and troopers came to the restaurants to show their support for Jursevics' family. Some left written messages of hope, strength and encouragement.
"I can't imagine what the family is going through right now," said Rob Whittet, a Chili's customer. "So (we) just want to support in whatever way we can for them."
"Why does it take something like this for us to come together for each other?" said Carmen Grande, a friend to Jursevics' husband.
In addition to her husband, Jursevics leaves behind an 8-month-old daughter.
"This is for them today," said family friend Pam Wiederkehr, of the cause. "And in honor of Jaimie."
"She was definitely one of us," said Kelly Scharlemann, a Chili's team member.
When Scharlemann and her coworkers learned of the tragic loss of a beloved patron, peace officer, wife and mother, they came up with the plan to give back.
"We just really appreciate the community pulling together. We appreciate everyone's support," said Scharlemann. "This is going to a great family, and we'd really love to honor Jaimie."
"Jaimie was an incredible young woman," said Betzy Bicknase, Victim Advocate with the Colorado State Patrol. "(She) leaves an incredible family behind, including her law enforcement family. And the community has come together in such a way, it's been overwhelming."
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
