Local bartender injured in Mexico, fundraiser set to help with expenses
Bigfork is synonymous with fun and good times, and for many, those happy memories include the smiling face and joyful conversation of bartender Kheri Bilal — the fun-loving man from Zanzibar who could be found pouring drinks for patrons at The Raven in Woods Bay or Whistling Andy’s Distillery in Bigfork.
While it is usually Bilal helping others, he is now the one in need of help from the community.
Last week Bilal and his wife Valentina went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary.
One day after arriving, Bilal slipped and fell from a balcony at the condo the couple was staying at.
He incurred severe brain damage and several broken bones. Doctor bills piled up quickly, and Bilal was without travel insurance. Bilal was required to pay his doctor bills prior to leaving the country.
On the evening of Saturday, June 2 he was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix, Ariz. which cost nearly $20,000. Once settled, Bilal will go through multiple surgeries. His wife, as well as his 5-year-old son, are by his side.
“His personality and happiness has brought a smile to the face of everyone who has walked through the door at The Raven or Whistling Andy,” Lisa Cloutier, owner of The Raven, said. “He has worked very hard and is an important part of our staff.”
A benefit will be held for Bilal at The Raven on Wednesday, June 6 at 6 p.m. A $20 Jamaican jerk chicken dinner will be on special with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Bilal. The Raven staff will donate all of their tips to Bilal, and $1 of every pint of beer and glass of wine that is sold will be donated to him as well. There will be a silent auction to help raise money, and a bucket will be passed for those who wish to donate directly.
The east-coast-based reggae band Rising Lion will provide musical entertainment for the evening.
“Due to the fact that the accident took place outside of the country, and Kheri did not have travel insurance, the medical bills escalated quickly, especially when he had to be taken by air ambulance to the Phoenix trauma center,” said Cloutier, who was informed by the U.S. Consulate on Friday of Bilal’s serious condition.
Prior to moving to Bigfork, Bilal worked as a mason in Whitefish where he was also active in the soccer community.
Those who would like to donate, but are unable to attend Wednesday’s fundraiser, can do so online at http://fnd.us/c/fJoW3, in person at The Raven, Papa’s Woods Bay Market or Whistling Andy’s, or by sending a check addressed to Valentina Bilal to 14729 Shore Acres Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911.
Update as of June 5
Bilal’s doctors are saying he has no permanent brain damage and the severity of his brain injuries are awaiting more tests.