Culver's of New Lenox Honors Fallen Team Member Jeff Hale with Sept. 19 Fundraiser

Jeff Hale was loved by his family, his community and all of his co-workers at Culver’s in New Lenox, where he had worked for the past three years. As a member and Director of Athletics at Church of the Nazarene and longtime resident of Chicago Heights, Hale passed away suddenly on August 23, leaving a wife, high school-aged daughter and an entire community in mourning.

In his memory and in support of his family, Culver’s of New Lenox will host a ‘Night of Giving’ to remember Jeff Hale on Tuesday, September 19, from 4-8 p.m. Owner Baron Waller has pledged to provide 25-percent of sales that evening to Jeff’s wife, Melanie, and daughter, Katie.

“Our entire team is devastated with Jeff’s passing and we encourage the community to gather in his memory on September 19,” said a shaken Waller. “Jeff was loved by all of his co-workers and also by our guests. It was common for customers to seek him out just so they could say hi; he was a very popular figure at our restaurant and will be greatly missed.”

Hale had reported to work on August 21, but was not feeling well. He was admitted to an area hospital the next day, when he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung and would pass away just 24 hours later.

About Culver’s

For over 30 years, Culver’s guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients, served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers more than 550 family-owned and operated restaurants in 22 states. The restaurants’ nationally-recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger®, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit http://www.culvers.com, http://www.culvers.com/facebook, http://www.twitter.com/culvers, https://plus.google.com/+culvers or http://www.instagram.com/culvers