Templestowe Pub Rallying Fellow Biz Owners In Puerto Rico Relief Effort

IRVING PARK — Recovery efforts in Puerto Rico remain slow going after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency reporting that 85 percent of the country still lacks electricity.

Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, in command of the Army Corps of Engineers' operation on the island, said of the destruction, "It looked as though a fireball had made landfall and burned a path through the center of the island."

Chicagoans continue to provide support in the form of donation drives and fundraisers, including an upcoming event hosted by Templestowe Pub in conjunction with Walgreens from 1-6 p.m. Saturday at the pub, 3135 W. Montrose Ave.

The pub's co-owners John and Jennifer Sheahan vacationed in Puerto Rico with their two sons in 2016, and John said, "To see it all such a total mess ... it's beyond imagination."

He's dubbed the bar's event "We're All in This Together," and true to the fundraiser's theme, Sheahan has recruited fellow businesses and organizations to donate food, drinks and raffle prizes.

For the $10 admission price — all of which is being earmarked for the Red Cross — attendees will enjoy one free beer from Lake Effect and Kings & Convicts breweries; free food from local eateries Brasa Roja, Pizza Y Pan Pa Ya and Angelo's Wine Bar; and raffle and auction prizes including a Chicago Flag handmade from barn wood.

Tailwind Cycles, Dovetail Studio and the North River Commission are also participating in the fundraiser.

"A lot of little people making little contributions can add up to something big," Sheahan said.

• St. Viator Elementary School is collecting necessities for Puerto Rico through Friday at the school, 4140 W. Addison St.

Drop off items at the school including toiletries, non-perishable food, batteries, diapers, battery-powered radios and compact generators. On Thursday morning and Friday afternoon, a tent will be set up outside the school to accept bigger items.