Somerville Rallies Around Restaurant Owners' Daughter Battling Illness

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The community is rallying behind a local family after their daughter was diagnosed with a serious health challenge, with a fundraiser now underway to help cover medical costs.

The GoFundMe campaign, "Rally for Reagan: Somerville Stands Together," was launched July 12 by the Monetti Family to support Reagan, daughter of Byron and Mackenzie Salazar, owners of the restaurant Turf, Surf & Earth.

As of Friday, the campaign had raised $29,392 toward a $50,000 goal from 291 donations, according to the fundraising page.

Funds raised will go toward medical expenses, treatment and everyday costs associated with caring for Reagan, including time away from work and the restaurant, organizers said.

“Byron and Mackenzie have spent years showing Somerville what it means to give. This is our chance to give it back, and to remind them that when they needed us, we rallied,” the GoFundMe says. “Every donation, big or small, is a way of saying we see you, we love you, and we’re with you.”

A community event called "Rally for Reagan" is planned for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Division Street, hosted by LFTD Fitness Co., according to the GoFundMe page.

Local businesses will form teams to compete in a fitness circuit, with food and music, and all proceeds from the event will go to Reagan and her family.

Organizers said the fund will remain open beyond the event to continue supporting the family.

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