Triangle bar helping Hurricane Irma survivors in the Virgin Islands

Sunday, September 17, 2017
Triangle bar helping Hurricane Irma survivors in the Virgin Islands
Triangle bar hosted a fundraiser to help with Hurricane Irma relief efforts in the US Virgin Islands

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) -- On Sunday, a Triangle bar hosted a party with a purpose.

The island music, wine, and spirits flowing at Neuse River Brewing Company is an effort to uplift Hurricane Irma victims in the US Virgin Islands.

"It's heartbreaking...ah oh..sorry.."

Jennifer Kolarov co-owns in Raleigh.

The destruction in the islands touches her personally and moved her to tears.

"It was such an integral part of our lives," Kolarov says. "It's heartbreaking."

Kolarov met and married her husband in the Virgin Islands before moving to Triangle to raise their family.

She and her husband hosted Sunday's fundraiser as a way to give back to that area ravaged by Irma's power.

"We have friends that made it out but there are so many there that still don't have food, water, power, like what do you do," Kolarov said.

Irma, a category 5 storm ripped through the Caribbean islands -- leaving places like St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix unrecognizable.

Lou Gibbs, her daughter, and son are from St. Croix.

They showed up to Sunday's event after hearing about it through social media.

"It was important for me to be here to support because they're my family," said Gibbs.

"I think it's a good thing that we stepped up to help people," said Gibbs 9-year-old son Yani.

A generosity that's raising both awareness and money.

the fundraiser featured a silent auction and drink specials. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Love for Love City Foundation, which was formed by Country Music Singer, who had a home destroyed in the Virgin Islands.

Kolarov says the bar will host monthly fundraising events.