Bari Levy Rubenstein contracted a staph infection in August of 2011 that attacked her spine and left her a quadriplegic and permanently on a ventilator. She is the mother of four small children under the age of 7, and was the sole provider for her family prior to this tragedy.
The 2nd Annual “Bari’s Bazaar” will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at The Westin Hotel in Wheeling to help raise money for Bari. There will be many vendors selling crafts, jewelry, adult and children’s clothing, personalized items, stationery, purses, household items and much more. The vendors have agreed to donate at least 20% of their sales to The Friends of Bari Rubenstein Fund. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction and a bake sale at the bazaar. Friends of Bari’s have been asking local merchants for any type of donation to help this cause.
The goal of “Bari’s Bazaar” and The Friends of Bari Rubenstein Fund is to create ongoing support for Bari’s care.
Bari’s insurance will soon run out and she will need funds to pay for all of the medical bills. We hope that Bari’s Bazaar will bring in enough money to purchase a wheelchair accessible van so Bari is able to go to and from doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions and most importantly to see her children, who are currently not living with her. Bari also would like the freedom to go places and live some sort of a normal life.
With the help of many friends, family and even strangers, The Friends of Bari Rubenstein Fund has raised close to $50,000 in private donations, through multiple events, including “Bari’s Bazaar”. Last year, hundreds of people from the Chicago community showed up to support a very special woman who has NEVER asked for anything from anyone.
Bari is a wonderful and strong willed woman. She has defeated all odds and continues to fight for only four things – her children. She is the kindest person and is so deserving of some good in her life right now.
