Boss Donates Life-Saving Kidney to Employee
Utah Business Owner Marcus Gilbert gives his 16-year-old employee a new kidney and a new chance at life
Orem, UT — (October 12, 2008) Marcus Gilbert, a Utah-area Charley’s Grilled Subs franchisee, recently gave one of his young employees, Juan Delgado, the ultimate gift of life by donating his kidney.
Juan has battled Chronic Kidney Disease for three years. Although health problems made it difficult for him to work, Marcus hired Juan six months ago at his Charley’s in University Mall (Orem, Utah). Today, both are at home recovering from the surgery.
"Just seeing him and his family through this whole process, I know I made the right decision and I know this is going to be a blessing for him. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it," Gilbert says.
One big surprise followed the surgeries, Charley Shin, founder and CEO of Charley’s Grilled Subs®, showed up at the hospital with a $10,000 check to assist with the medical bills.
“This is an amazing story of brotherly love,” shares Shin. “We are so proud to have an extended family that serves each other – and the community – with such compassion. Marcus’ dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Delgado’s medical expenses are estimated to exceed $100,000. Consequently, a fund has been established with the Northwest Kidney Transplant Fund, a nonprofit organization that raises money exclusively for noninsured expenses. Donations can be made in Juan Delgado's name by calling (800) 642-8399, by visiting www.transplantfund.org or by sending donations directly to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (For Juan Delgado) at 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120, Radnor, PA 19087.
Brotherly Love in Action
Summit Sierra Supports the Children's Miracle Network
Lori Bagwell of Summit Sierra (NV) is busy running a restaurant, but that didn't stop her from organizing a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. Lori spent hours coordinating details and encouraging other tenants to get involved.
According to Lori, the event built camaraderie among the mall tenants. "I think we all learned that the mall is only as strong as each of the tenants. Our success is truly dependant on one another."
Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Miss Nevada 2007 Caleche Manos and the Miss Nevada 2008 contestants all showed up to support the event.
| Poker for Pets. . .Cash for Kids Paddock Mall franchisee Bryan Yaeger doesn't gamble often, but when it comes to charity, he antis up the chips. Last year Bryan beat the house and won $1,200 in a non-profit poker tournament. The money went to support two local organizations that assist animals and children in need. |  |
They shoot! They score! They eat lots of Philly Steak.
To honor the Golden Gales basketball team for making it to the Semifinals, River Valley Mall Charley's team treated all of the players to free food (as much as they could possibly eat).
Big Brother! Big Heart!
Bob and Debbie Fall donated a $1,000 check to Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Branson, Missouri. As part of the Grand Opening Celebration, Bob hosted a week long event during which people could learn how to become Big Brothers & Big Sisters. In addition, Bob donated a percentage of his sales back to the organization and signed up to be a Big Brother!
