Fundraiser Held for Bartender Stabbed at Work

What was seemingly a normal evening May 19 at the Red Lion Pub in Indian Rocks Beach turned surprisingly violent after an unruly bar patron was refused service. 

The suspect, identified as James Klingbeil, left the pub without incident. However, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, he went to a nearby grocery store and bought a filet knife. 

A short time later Klingbeil, deputies said, returned to the bar and got into an argument with Red Lion bartender Rebecca Shaeffer. He then began to stab her, authorities said. 

Then, other bar patrons took Klingbeil to the ground until deputies could arrive. Shaeffer was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center. 

Sunday, the Red Lion Pub hosted a fundraiser to help its beloved bartender.

According to Red Lion's Facebook page, the fundraiser featured live music, a buffet and silent auction. 

All proceeds will go toward Shaeffer's medical bills. 

In May the pub posted to Facebook following the attack on Shaeffer. 

"We are all deeply saddened about the recent events that have happened at our pub. Such a senseless act by a clearly disturbed individual has rocked our lives. Our bartender Rebecca (Bex) is recovering from her injuries at Bayfront and sends her appreciation for all of the love shown by our friends and community. She should be going home in a couple of days. We at the Lion want to express our gratitude for the continued patronage of our customers as Bex, and all of us, recover from this traumatic experience. We are proud to be one of IRB's favorite local bars/restaurants and hope to see all of your faces soon! We have a preliminary collection jar going for Bex to help with medical expenses and her time off of work."