Newington Restaurant To Host Benefit For Server Battling Kidney Disease

NEWINGTON, CT — Community members can help out a beloved waiter at a Mexican restaurant in Newington who is battling a serious illness by attending a benefit fundraiser Wednesday.

Alejandro "Alex" Melendez is a longtime employee at the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant, 2385 Berlin Turnpike in Newington.

But the well-liked server hasn't been able to help customers enjoy a nice, Mexican meal.

Since last month, Melendez has been hospitalized for kidney problems and is on dialysis, which has financially impacted he and his family, which includes a wife and two children.

This is why the restaurant's staff and customers are organizing a fund-raiser to help out his family from 3 p.m. to closing on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

For starters a portion of the night's proceeds will go for Melendez's family as they cope with expenses of his treatment and the loss of income.

In addition, the event will feature a silent auction of four Mexican paintings ($150 minimum bid of $150) along with a 50/50 raffle.

"Alejandro is one of our favorite employees at Puerto Vallarta Restaurant, in Newington," wrote the restaurant via social media.

"He and his family need our help as he battles this incredibly tough disease that has affected their lives tremendously."

The restaurant is also looking for local business owners to donate items that could be raffled off as part of the night's fund-raising activities.

For the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant of Newington's Facebook page, click on this link.