Becoming a parent for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected health challenges arise. That’s what happened to a Sioux Falls family recently, prompting someone they’ve never met to offer a helping hand from Lincoln.
Pepe’s Bistro, normally closed on Sundays, opened its doors for a special cause – what the owner, Pepe Fierro, referred to as a “burrito emergency.”
“We have these events a few times a year when someone in need could use financial support,” said Fierro, owner of Pepe’s Bistro.
Sunday’s event was held to support the Schleimer family from Sioux Falls. Their daughter, Aria, was born two months premature on Thanksgiving and is currently in the hospital.
“My first baby girl, Aria,” said her father, Quinn Schleimer. “She was born at just three pounds, one ounce.”
The premature birth has brought on new worries and sleepless nights for the family.
“It’s stressful,” Quinn explained. “I work 11 hours a day, then head to the hospital. We spend most of our nights there.”
Though Fierro didn’t know the family personally, he came across their GoFundMe page on Facebook earlier this week and felt compelled to help.
“We just like to step in,” said Fierro. “I think we all have a responsibility to do something.”
Local artists donated paintings to be sold at the bistro on Sunday, with all proceeds from the artwork and food sales going directly to the Schleimer family.
“He was a stranger, for lack of a better word,” Quinn said. “There’s a lot going on that I never expected, and it just shows that there are good people out there.”
For those who couldn’t attend the fundraiser but still wish to help, donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe page.
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