A Chatham man recovering from serious injuries received during a crash on Queen's Line Tuesday is getting some love from one of Chatham's most popular music venues.
The Fortress Tavern on Grand Avenue in Chatham is now accepting financial donations for Jesse Verleye of popular band Face4Radio.
Verleye is recovering in the hospital and CK News Today has learned he has several broken bones, including his sternum, ribs, ankle, and lower back as a result of the head-on crash. Plus, Verleye's heart was being monitored Tuesday night because of the severe chest injury, according to one source. A man from Windsor in the other vehicle died.
Owner Robin Lucio told CK News Today the bar doesn't do this often but Jesse is a stand up guy and deserves the help. Lucio said Verleye has brought many years of live music to Chatham and has donated his time for many charitable causes, including The Festival of Giving and it’s time to give back.
"We can't make it better, we can't help him heal, but if we can help him recover, then this is what we're doing," said Lucio. "My husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer in April of last year and Face4Radio, Chasers, and Big Shiny Toons did a benefit for him and if we can return the favour, so be it."
Lucio said it's time to show Verleye some love and hopes the medical bills and other expenses is one less thing he and his family have to worry about.
"Face4Radio played at least three or four times a year at our bar. They were also our New Year's Eve band this year and last year. Go to You Tube and pull some of his original music...because he's very gifted," Lucio said.
Lucio said there's a big fundraising event this month for the Verleye family at the Fortress Tavern, the tavern she dubbed "the best sounding room in all of Chatham-Kent."
There will be a night for Jesse February 10, 2023 with Face4Radio going acoustic at 8 p.m. Truckstop Super Friends will also play acoustic at 8:45 p.m., then Big Shiny Toons play another acoustic set at 9:30 p.m., followed by The Chasers at 10:15 p.m., and 89 Next at 11:30 p.m. The night will be capped with a silent auction. Admission will be $20 per person and all proceeds will be going directly to Jesse. The night is being organized by Big Shiny Toons and The Fortress is providing the stage.
A Face4Radio spokesperson told CK News Today that Jesse's support system is truly amazing and it means a lot that so many people are stepping up to show their love and appreciation for him during this difficult time.
"He's the type of person who is so easy to connect with, either as a friend, work colleague or through his music, so it's truly heartwarming to see the support from everyone," said Dave Richie.