Donate to Help Manny Eat and Smile Again

It was a warm, lovely evening on September 27, 2022. Our dear friend and coworker, Emanuel "Manny" Guiatin had just enjoyed a great day off as a cook and food runner at the wine bar where we all work together. He decided to go to the market to buy some ingredients for dinner. Upon returning home at 7:45 pm, 2 men pushed Manny into his building lobby with guns pointed at his head, forcibly entered his apartment and proceeded to throw him on the ground of his bedroom. One perpetrator realized Manny's roommate was home and abruptly left to find and attack him. Manny's entire head was pistol-whipped and most of his teeth were knocked out. The intruder then threw him on his bed, covered his face with a pillow and told him that after he robbed him, he'd kill him.

Manny saw his bloody teeth all over the floor. Suddenly, he was dragged off his bed and the gunman began to search underneath it for money. Manny quickly took this opportunity to flee while narrowly escaping a bullet as the perpetrator shot at him. He ran to a neighbor's apartment and called the police.

Fortunately, these criminals have been caught, prosecuted and are currently serving prison sentences.

Sadly, Manny has lost the majority of his teeth and hasn't been able to eat anything but soft foods and liquids for over 2 years. Aside from not being able to chew and enjoy a full eating experience, Manny misses the interpersonal connections he has with his friends and family and the customers at the wine bar because he is embarrassed and ashamed of how he looks and sometimes he is afraid to go out and meet new people. "I cannot wait to smile and participate in this world again".

After going to several dentists for estimates, he's finally settled on Dr. Matthew Bellafiore, our long-time, tried and true DDS who will do the job! Dr. B has given Manny a discounted estimate of $16,000 and sadly this amount is way out of his budget.

Please help us raise $16,000 to restore Manny's smile and once again enjoy a vast array of multi-textured foods!

Whatever amount you can donate will be truly appreciated.

It will be a lengthy, arduous process

but Manny's ready for the challenge. We'll keep you posted with updates.

Gratefully,

Isabel, Ryan and Jacob