Adambroth

Elio moved back to Guatemala with his family.

Argia's is closed for dinner service this evening.

Argia's in Falls Church will be opening for lunch at 11:30 today.

Argia's would like to kindly thank you and your bloggers for your donations to the Elio Martinez Benefit. Last Monday we were able to raise over $18,000. To date we've already broken the $22,000 mark, more than double the mark that we were hoping for. The benefit was a complete success with more than 250 people in the door on a rainy Monday night. The bands, scheduled to play until midnight, stayed on and rocked the night til 1 AM. We were able to obtain more than 85 auction items for the silent auction and raffle. Many local restaurants donated gift certificates and other items: Blanca's, Clare & Don's, Ireland's Four Provinces, Argia's, Taqueria El Poblano, Chipotle, Willow, Equinox, Del Merei Grille, Rocklands, Rhodeside Grill, Ragtime, Stacey's Coffee Parlor, Z Pizza to name a few. Many of the State Theatre employees said that this was the most successful benefit that they've ever hosted. We are also extremely happy to report that Elio is getting better. He is awake and has complete recall and recognition, which is critical to people who have experienced extreme head trauma. He has been moved out of INOVA Fairfax hospital to INOVA Mt Vernon Hospital which has a better rehabilitation center. He is eager to get better and come back to work. Elio was able to name all of the ingredients in each pasta dish on our menu boasting that he'll be able to return as soon as his body is healed. Physically, he has a long road ahead of him. He still cannot move his left arm and can only wiggle fingers and toes, but that's a good starting point. I will be happy to update his progress as he improves. Once again our sincerest thanks to everybody that helped out. We as a restaurant are only as good as our employees allow us to be, and it was great to see people on both sides of our industry (customers and restaurant workers) come together to help someone in their time of need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Adam B. Roth Proprietor Argia's Restaurant 124 N Washington St Falls Church, VA 22046 www.argias.com

Elio has been working for us for over seven years. He's a great person, co-worker, employee and human being. I cannot convey how great an employee he has been throughout the years. When he started working for us he was a dishwasher, but has moved up through the ranks as a prep cook, pasta and bread maker, pasta cook and was training for sautee before this unfortunate incident occurred. Although quiet, Elio is always quick to laugh and his high-pitched giggle always brings smiles to everybody around him. We miss him terribly pray daily for his return. Argia's is accepting monetary donations on Elio's behalf or any auction items for the silent auction. Please pass this notice to as many people as possible, or we will be happy to forward an electronic copy upon request. Thank you in advance. Adam Roth Proprietor Argia's Restaurant