While survivors of the Pulse Nightclub shooting continue to recover in the hospital, many of their friends are going out of their way to make sure they are taken care of financially. In Winter Haven, Apple Lounge bartender Malorie Goldbach held a fundraiser Saturday for survivor Angel Colon. 

  • Doctors say survivor will be out of work all summer due to injuries
  • Event raised more than $3,500 to benefit Colon

“I wanted to do this for him," said Goldbach. "This is one of my dear friends for many years in counting.“

More than 100 people attended the event, raising more than $3,500 dollars through sales of everything from raffle tickets to pulled pork dinners.

ph: Stephanie Claytor, staff

“It’s a pretty bad situation and he’s got a long road ahead of him of recovery and he’s going to need all of the help he can get,” said Jennifer Jones, who got the crowd to play Bingo in order to raise money for Colon.

Goldbach said she has visited Colon several times in the hospital. She said he’s been moved to rehab on the top floor of the hospital, where he’s learning how to walk again.

“You got someone who was shot several  times, trampled on, and lived through all this,” Goldbach said. “It’s like his name is Angel  and it’s like a miracle. “

According to Goldbach, she and Colon used to work together at a Chili's location in Auburndale. Colon is now a server and bartender at a Chilli’s location near Disney, and Goldbach knows he has missed out on a lot of tips since he’s been in the hospital.

“The doctors have said he’s going to  be out of work all summer long, no driving nothing,” Goldbach explained.

Besides the fundraiser at The Apple Lounge, a GoFundMe page set up for Colon online has raised nearly $16,000.