Glenview bar hosts fundraiser for Cooper Roberts, boy paralyzed in Highland Park shooting

GLENVIEW, In poor health. (WLS) — It has been a protracted highway to restoration for Highland Park taking pictures survivor Cooper Roberts.

He is the younger boy who was left paralyzed after the Fourth of July tragedy.

Household and associates got here out Sunday to help Cooper at a group fundraiser in northwest suburban Glenview.

The fundraiser, hosted by Whiskey River Bar and Grill in Glenview, is one they maintain yearly and this 12 months the family-oriented institution devoted the occasion for Cooper and his household.

Tens of 1000’s of {dollars} have been raised in a robust present of help for the little, however mighty boy.

His restoration has been a sluggish and regular course of, one this group wished to propel and uplift.

“This has been probably the most superb factor, I just-I would not have even count on it to end up this fashion,” mentioned Amanda Hilmer, occasion co-organizer and supervisor at Whiskey River.

The 8-year-old was paralyzed from the waist down after a gunman opened fireplace on a crowd in the course of the annual Highland Park July 4th parade, killing seven folks and wounding a number of others.

“I’ve younger children [and] I dwell 5 minutes from the place it occurred,” mentioned attendee, Brian Friedoper. “It is an unbelievable tragedy and it actually hits residence.”

His story deeply touched the co-organizers of this occasion.

“Seeing that, as a mother myself, it is simply tragic. It is heartbreaking, so we thought, why not Cooper,” Hilmer mentioned. “He is simply nice. He is actually grabbed our hearts.”

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“One thing tragic occurs in your group — come collectively, present up [and] do what you may,” added fundraiser attendee, Antennian DeCarlo.

The family-friendly occasion featured enjoyable actions together with, face-painting, pumpkin portray and a magic present.

Organizers mentioned 100% of the proceeds will go on to the Roberts household for Cooper’s ongoing medical wants and different bills, together with residence variations and medical gear.

The fundraiser generated for the $20,000 for the household.

“All people has been past beneficiant. That is so heartwarming; its superb,” Hilmer mentioned.

Cooper’s household launched an announcement, saying partly that they’re overwhelmed by the generosity from the house owners of Whiskey River and all who made this potential.

“We’re grateful past measure for the love you could have proven our household in our darkest days. Thanks for the underside of our hearts,” mentioned Cooper’s mother, Keely Roberts.