Cotati Fundraiser Planned Saturday For Wounded Petaluma Soldier

The Friar Tucks Pub in Cotati will hold a fundraiser Saturday for a wounded Army sergeant from Petaluma. Sgt. Monte Bernardo, 30, lost two legs -- one from the knee down and one from above the knee -- and his left hand in a blast in Afghanistan on July 4.

He is undergoing physical therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., according to Choissette Colet, a bookkeeper at Friar Tucks Pub.

Colet and Bernardo attended Petaluma Junior High School and grew up together during their teen years. "My fiancé is Monte's step-brother," Colet said.

Saturday's fundraiser includes a silent auction and a raffle and double elimination pool tournament. The pub and restaurant will donate 20 percent of food sales between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., Colet said.

One of the hamburgers on the menu will be named after Bernardo, Colet said. Items donated for the silent auction include a gas barbecue grill, garden baskets with plants, seeds and tools, free workouts at a fitness club for a month, and a VIP outing for four at a winery.

The goal is to raise $5,000, Colet said. A recovery fund also has been established at www.montebernardo.org to help pay for Bernardo's medical expenses not covered by insurance.

It has raised $25,000 and hopes to reach $100,000, Colet said. Friar Tucks Pub and Restaurant is located at 8201 Old Redwood Highway in Cotati.

--- Bay City News Service