Burlington Buffalo Wild Wings To Hold Fundraiser For Late Manager

BURLINGTON, MA — The Burlington Buffalo Wild Wings will be holding a fundraiser next week for the family of Ryan Baldera, the manager who died in a chemical accident at the restaurant earlier this month. All proceeds from Dec. 2 to Dec. 8 will go to an education fund for Baldera's newborn son, according to a release on behalf of the restaurant. Baldera, 32, of Lawrence, was recently married and a new father. His son was born just a few months ago.

The accident happened when another Buffalo Wild Wings employee accidentally mixed two chemical cleaning agents, one an acid and one a bleach, which began to react and give off toxic fumes. Baldera attempted to squeegee the mixture out of the restaurant, before being overcome. Thirteen others were hospitalized, but survived.

A pair of GoFundMe fundraisers have raised $150,000 for Baldera's family. The Buffalo Wild Wings will also be conducting a silent auction of sports memorabilia and "game-day experiences" during the week-long fundraiser.

Family and friends said that Baldera died as he lived: trying to help others.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.