Fleming's fundraiser brings in $5,000 for employee

Friends, supporters and members of the Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar family came together May 17 in support of a fallen member of the community.

The silent auction and wine tasting held at the steakhouse was to avert expenses of preparation of and flying the body of Fleming's employee Fatih Erdogan back home to Turkey.

Erdogan drowned May 7 in local waters of the Gulf of Mexico. He had been employed at Fleming's for one year.

Fleming's managing partner Chris Renteria said his staff has a habit of going to the beach together on Thursdays. He and Chef Innocent Utomi were at the restaurant when they received the call from employees on the beach when Erdogan's body began to be swept away by the current. Both ran to the beach to assist.

The benefit on May 17 paired reserve wines with Utomi's hors d'oeuvres. The event raised $3,000. Fleming's Trust also donated $2,000, bringing the donation to $5,000 to benefit Erdogan's family in Turkey.

"This has never happened before and I hope it doesn't again," said Renteria. "I was just glad we were able to help his family."