New Lenox Culver's to Host Fundraiser for Girl, 7, Battling Heart Virus

As 7-year-old Bella Rodrigues battles a heart virus at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, a New Lenox business is doing what it can to help her family tackle medical expenses. 

Culver’s of New Lenox will host a “Night for Bella” from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at 421 East Lincoln Way. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of its register receipts collected during the event to the Rodrigues family. 

Bella is fighting a dangerous heart virus virus as she awaits a heart transplant. She was hospitalized Jan. 19 with flu symptoms, when her heart stopped. Doctors performed open-heart surgery and inserted a pacemaker. She was placed on the transplant list. 

In the midst of one crisis, Bella's family found themselves staring down another. Bella needed type O-negative blood, which only 10 percent of the population has. Blood donations are down about 30 percent, according to LifeSource, the Chicago area's largest blood services provider. 

The community sprang into action, and organized a Feb. 22 "Beats for Bella" blood drive to help restock the supply. Two hundred turned out in support of the beloved area girl. One of the donors was New Lenox Culver's owner Baron Waller. Giving of himself wasn't enough—he wanted to give of his business, as well. 

“We’re a small, tight-knit community, so when we heard of Bella’s plight, we wanted to offer our support," Waller said. 

For more information about Bella’s Benefit Night at Culver’s in New Lenox, call the restaurant at (815) 463-9470.