DELAWARE- It's been a week and a half since the owner of Dewey Beach Surf Shop was hit by a drunk driver on his scooter and sent to the hospital.
Since then, between all the fundraising that has been done, the community has raised over $47,000 to help Tyler Hudson out in his recovery. Friends and family have been overwhelmed by the support he has received and there's even more support tonight. There are tons of ways to donate at Big Chill Cantina throughout the day everything from raffles, prizes, donation buckets, and event a portion of sales tonight from the bar will go to Tyler. Tyler's friends even held a scooter ride an fundraiser over the weekend for a different cause.
Nearly 100 people and friends who want to help Tyler out came to the Exxon in Dewey Beach for a ride, BBQ and fundraiser, all with the purpose of raising enough money to get Tyler's scooter fixed. The group raised over $650 to go towards repairs, but Scooter City in Rehoboth Beach stepped in and said donate all the money to the Help Tyler fund. The shop says they are going to rebuild Tyler's bike at no extra cost. Scooter City estimates the damage at around $2,000 but says "it's not about money, it's about friendship". All while Dewey Beach Surf Shop is continuing to find ways to raise money, through helptyler.org and also with these new wrist bands. Lauren Kelley, Manager at Dewey Beach Surf Shop said, "They say 'Pray for Tyler' with our logos on either side and they say '#DeweyStrong' we're going to try and have these at all of our events as much as they last, I've got some here for sale for $5 it's all going to the help Tyler fund." So far Tyler's been through five surgeries, and his girlfriend says the doctors are happy with how he's recovering but he still has a very long journey. That's why the community continues to step up. Including Big Chill Cantina who is gearing up for the crowd throughout the day. AJ Borrero, General Manager at Big Chill Cantina said, "So we're doing a Chinese auction, you know raffle tickets, raffles all day. All the bartenders tips, any tips that are coming in to the Big Chill Surf Cantina is going directly to Tyler." There's even a little bit of extra space left on the banner in Dewey Beach Surf Shop if you want to leave a small message for Tyler. If you go to Cantina tonight almost anything you spend money on will be benefiting Tyler. Cantina also want so make sure people get here safely and don't drink a drive there's these signs up all over the place that have the numbers for safe ways to get home if you've had too much to drink.