Evansville Restaurant Hosting Giveback Fundraiser to Fight Rare Form of Muscular Dystrophy

A diagnosis of muscular dystrophy can be a devastating piece of news to receive for anyone. The disease affects the body's skeletal muscles causing them to weaken over time. However, like most diseases, it can come in many different forms, each with its own unique symptoms and effects on the body. One of which, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), primarily affects boys, robbing them of their ability to run, walk, and play. It's that form of muscular dystrophy that is the focus of a giveback happening at one restaurant on Evansville's west side.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can begin appearing as early as the age of two. It first affects the muscles close to the body's core before spreading to those near the extremities. Eventually, it begins to affect the heart and respiratory muscles, impairing the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, and causing acute respiratory failure.

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Hacienda on Pearl Drive Hosting Giveback to Help Fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Jessica Kluesner is teaming with Hacienda on Pearl Drive on Evansville's west side to host a giveback on Thursday, December 21st (2023). The event will run throughout the day at that location only and will apply to all dine-in or carryout orders during both lunch and dinner hours. A portion of gift card purchases will also be included. So, if you have a Hacienda fan on your Christmas list, this would be a great opportunity to get them something they'll use and help a worthy cause.

In order to have 20% of your purchase donated, you need to show the special giveback certificate below.

You can also download a copy to your phone or computer by clicking here.

All proceeds from the giveback will be turned over to JAR of Hope, a non-profit organization founded by Jim and Karen Raffone in 2013 after their then 14-year-old son, Jamesy, was diagnosed with DMD and told by doctor after doctor there was nothing that could be done. Unwilling to accept that answer, they made it their mission to raise as much money as possible to help find a cure.

If you aren't able to make it to Hacienda on Thursday, but would still like to help, Jessica is also preparing to run the 48.6-mile Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World in January and is currently accepting monetary donations for JAR of Hope for that event online.

[Sources: Muscular Dystrophy Association / JAR of Hope]