Business & Tech
Man Makes Heroic Belmar Water Rescue, Then Gets Free Applebee's For A Year
The man who was saddled with hefty medical bills after making a water rescue last month in Belmar won't be going hungry.
BELMAR, NJ — A man who became saddled with hefty medical bills after saving a swimmer who was drowning last month has been rewarded with ribs and mozzarella sticks. (And also cash, but more on that later.)
Doherty Enterprises, the owner and operator of 40 Applebee’s restaurants in New Jersey, has offered Kristian Falkenstein free meals for a year.
The 39-year-old Newtown, Pa. man said he "charged into the surf" to save a swimmer clearly in distress at a Belmar beach on Sept. 23. “I couldn’t live with myself if I sat and watched the guy drown knowing I had the ability to do something about it,” Falkenstein told NJ.com.
Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He was the first to reach the swimmer, helping him stay afloat as a Coast Guard boat came to rescue all five people who were struggling.
The problem is, Falkenstein said his heroic actions resulted in some post-rescue financial distress.
Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He said officials at the Coast Guard station "urged" him to go to the hospital by ambulance even through he was hesitant and felt fine. His medical bill as a result of that visit was more than $2,500.
His story of bravery inspired Doherty Enterprises to do what they could to make the Good Samaritan feel better. And what quandary can't be cured by some honey barbecue wings and a Bahama mama?
In recognition of his bravery, Falkenstein will get free Applebee’s for a year. Specifically, the offer provides Falkenstein with 12 Dinner for Two gift certificates, redeemable once per month at any of the company’s New Jersey locations.
He'll also get some cash to help his bills. Since his debacle was publicized, friends and neighbors stepped up, creating a GoFundMe to help Falkenstein. That fundraiser has raised more than $1,300 as of Thursday morning.
"I truly appreciate the kind words and generous contributions. I am inspired by the tremendous support I received and feel blessed to know their are such uplifting and empathetic people helping out with this cause," Falkenstein said via GoFundMe.
PHOTO: GoFundMe
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