Nordic Taphouse to host fundraiser for Annandale boy awaiting heart transplant
MONTICELLO — Nordic Taphouse is turning pints into a purpose — and giving the Monticello community a chance to help a little boy in need of a new heart. The popular downtown gathering spot will host a fundraiser Sunday, Nov. 15, for Henry Dolan, 10, of Annandale, with Mayor Lloyd Hilgart stepping behind the bar and joining owner Zach Barthel in matching donations from draft beer sales. Throughout the day, $1 from every draft beer sold will be donated to the Dolan family. Barthel and Hilgart will each match that amount, bringing the total donation to $3 per beer sold. Additional donations will also be accepted from community members who wish to contribute. For Hilgart, the fundraiser hits particularly close to home. The mayor, who has experienced the loss of a son, recently watched his younger brother fight for his life. Keith Hilgart, 53, suffered a massive heart attack Sept. 22 and spent more than three weeks in the hospital before being discharged Oct. 16. During his hospitalization, he required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a form of life support that helps circulate and oxygenate blood when the heart or lungs cannot function adequately. Keith is now home and doing well.
