July 12, 2004
Members of UTU Local 1299 are inviting all brothers and sisters to attend a free benefit Sunday, July 18, for seriously injured Chicago Rail Link employee and new father Gary Pierce.
Brother Pierce, a new hire at Chicago Rail Link, was left paralyzed by the accident just before he was about to become a father. The baby is now five months old, but Brother Pierce remains unable to return to work.
“Gary’s injuries were numerous and included a broken back and spinal-cord injury,” said UTU Local 1299 Vice Chairman John Cavanaugh. “He spent 26 days in intensive care following the accident and is enduring a lengthy rehabilitation process.”
Cavanaugh said Brother Piece had not been a CRL employee long enough to covered under the sickness-benefits program of the Railroad Retirement System.
To help out the family, fellow employees and union members have organized a benefit for this Sunday, July 18. The event will be held at the Riverdale Marina, 13100 S. Halsted, in Riverdale, from noon to midnight. Raffles, prizes, entertainment, free food and soft drinks will be available. A D.J., face painting and temporary tattoos will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. From 6 p.m. to midnight Stevie Starlight will play for dancing.
All UTU members or friends are invited to attend. In addition, contributions will be accepted. “Any donations or items that can be used as a door or raffle prize would be greatly appreciated,” Brother Cavanaugh said. Contributions should be sent to:
John Cavanaugh
Vice Chairman—Chicago Rail Link Local 1299
United Transportation Union
4334 N. Hazel—Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-348-6372
