A night for Nelson: Chicago rallies around Officer Crespo

Chicago is coming together Sept. 18 to support Chicago Police Officer Nelson Crespo, who is continuing a long and difficult road to recovery after being shot and paralyzed in the April 25 shooting at Swedish Hospital. His partner, Officer John Bartholomew, was also shot and died from his injuries.

The fundraiser, “Officer Crespo’s Road to Recovery,” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St., and is being hosted by owner Sam Sanchez. Sanchez is underwriting the entire event, meaning 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Crespo and his wife. Tickets are $50 per person.

“It is my honor to host this fundraiser for Officer Crespo. It is the least I can do for this brave hero,” said Sanchez. “He is an inspiration as he fights to regain his health and mobility. I look forward to the public coming out to support Nelson and his wife. They deserve all of Chicago’s support.”

The evening will feature live music by Scott DuBose, a special performance by the Bag Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society of the Chicago Police Department, an unlimited buffet and open bar, along with a raffle, auction and celebrity bartenders. Athletes, actors, elected officials and other notable Chicago personalities are expected to participate, with auction and raffle offerings including sports memorabilia, gift certificates and experiences. Patrick Elwood will serve as emcee.

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Crespo plans to attend the fundraiser himself, giving supporters a chance to see him and show their encouragement in person.

“I want everyone to see me, so they know their prayers are working. I want to thank them in person, because I wouldn’t be here without them, the doctors and nurses and my wife,” Crespo told Betsy Shepherd, who is organizing the fundraiser with Sanchez.

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Crespo is currently recovering at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. He remains paralyzed from the shoulders down as he works toward regaining strength, mobility and independence.

The evening is more than a fundraiser. It is a chance for Chicagoans to rally around Crespo, his wife and the members of the Chicago Police Department who have supported them through an unimaginable ordeal. As Crespo continues his road to recovery, organizers hope the city will turn out to remind him that he is not walking that road alone.

Officer Crespo has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to protecting the people of Chicago. On April 25, Nelson survived a tragic shooting and is now in the ICU, facing limited mobility in his arms and no mobility in his legs. His commitment to public service and his bravery have touched countless lives, and now he needs the support of the community he has served so faithfully.

Tickets and additional information are available here. 

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