USBG Tampa Bay Hosting Fundraiser For Injured Bartender March 9th

The United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) Tampa Bay Chapter is holding a fundraiser called "Libations for Langford" on Monday, March 9th, 2020 from 6PM to 12AM at Copper Shaker located at 169 1st Avenue North in St. Petersburg for a fellow bartender who was injured in an accident.

According to the GoFundMe page for Adrian Langford:

"On Saturday, February 15th, Adrian Langford was departing the Palm Avenue Parking Garage on his way into work as a pedestrian. An 87-year-old man lost control of his vehicle entering the pedestrian area at a high rate of speed directly in front of the stairs and elevators pinning him off the ground against the pay to park meters at the base of the stairwell directly in front of Lemon Tree Kitchen and Buddy Brew.

First responders and Sarasota Police Department staff were on site within minutes. Three policemen supported Adrian's weight while the fire department moved debris in order to extricate Adrian from a horrific scene.

He was intubated by EMS as he was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a Trauma Alert patient. The Trauma, Orthopedic and Vascular Surgeon performed a 7 ½ hour procedure to try and save his right leg.Unfortunately, even after the heroic efforts by the SMH Team on Tuesday, February 18th, he underwent another 3-hour procedure to amputate his right leg. Adrian had his final surgery today.

It may be his final procedure but it is the beginning of a long journey of recovery with the goal to return to the industry and position he loves. That goal will require a lot of time, physical therapy and the right prosthetics."

12 of Tampa Bay's best and brightest bartenders will be behind the bar stirring, shaking, and pouring up a series of classic cocktails, with 100% of the special menu proceeds going to Adrian Langford.

They will be hosting a raffle featuring several gift baskets comprised of all sorts of goodies with items such as YETI coolers, gift cards, spirits, and more will be up for grabs. Tickets will be available at the event. Copper Shaker will remain open until 3AM for the after-party.

USBG Tampa Bay Chapter President, Brenda Terry, shares:

"The USBG Tampa Bay Chapter is proud to be partnering with The Copper Shaker Group and the industry community to raise funds for Adrian. One of our core values is camaraderie within the industry. We’ve had an enormous outpouring of love and support from bartenders, brands, ambassadors, and distributors. We are thankful to be able to rally around Adrian and his family in this time. March 9th is going to be one heck of a party in honor of a great cause and person."

RSVP on Facebook to the event: http://www.facebook.com/events/193232411774596/

Those interested in contributing to the event in the form of spirit, product, or gift donations for the raffle can message the Facebook event page hosts.

To donate directly to Adrian Langford send funds to his GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/f/tgg6wk-for-adrian

Carlos Hernandez is a local food writer in Tampa Bay. Follow Carlos Hernandez on Twitter @CarlosEats or visit him at CarlosEats.com