CHICAGO — Hector Avalos would've turned 29 on Saturday.
The former Marine and aspiring chef was killed on Dec. 6 when a van crashed into him as he cycled home from work. The van's driver was drunk behind the wheel, authorities said.
In honor of Avalos' birthday, his former colleagues at El Hefe, the Mexican restaurant and nightclub at 15 W. Hubbard St., are hosting a benefit on Saturday. Avalos had worked there as a cook since May.
From 3-7 p.m., friends and relatives will gather with photos and donation boxes. General manager Justin Massei said the restaurant would donate 100 percent of the afternoon's proceeds to the Avalos family.
Avalos was struck by the van just before midnight in the 2500 block of West Ogden Avenue. His mother said Avalos rode his bike everywhere.