Restaurant raises money for Tripp Halstead after owner's death

HOSCHTON, Ga. — The owners of a metro Atlanta restaurant decided to go forward with a benefit for Tripp Halstead after their co-owner died in a car accident.

Wing Slingers Grill in Hoschton donated close to 20 percent of its sales on Monday to the Halstead family after owner Robby Barnett came up with the idea.

Co-owner Anthony Welchel told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri that Barnett was killed in a single-car wreck early Sunday morning, but they decided to go forward with the event.

"To celebrate this little guy getting better and do all we can do to help his family getting through a tough time," Welchel said.

Welchel said Barnett had wanted to help the 2- year-old. Tripp is recovering from a brain injury after winds from Superstorm Sandy broke a tree limb that hit him on the head outside his Winder day care.

"We felt like this was something we committed to finishing. That's what he would want. So, you know, we're doing that, dealing with our own heavy hearts here," Welchel said.
 
There were serious moments as friends remembered Barnett.

Customers who came out ordered food and danced to live music as they tried to raise as much money as possible for the Halstead family and remember their friend.

"I have four kids myself and God forbid anything happened to my kids, I hope the community would stand behind us also," said customer Brandy Rogers.

Welchel also established a fund for Barnett at the restaurant where people can donate to the family.

WSBTV