July 19, 2015
Jason Varney/Pinterest
Chef Eli Kulp, co-owner of High Street on Market and Fork.
Friends and fans raised $130,000 for chef Eli Kulp on Thursday to help pay for medical expenses related to the spinal injuries he sustained after the Amtrak derailment in May, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported.
Kulp, the co-owner of restaurants Fork and High Street on Market, is still recovering from the catastrophic derailment that killed 8 passengers and injured hundreds.
The fundraiser, held at Fork, came on a date that Mayor Michael Nutter declared “Eli Kulp Day” last year after Food & Wine magazine named Kulp one of the best new chefs in the country.
That same year, Bon Appetit named High Street on Market as one of the best new restaurants in the country.
Many of Kulp's friends in the restaurant industry tweeted out their support using the hashtag #EliKulpDay.
A very special, fun, and emotional night @forkrestaurant with great people. We were so honored to be part of it. #EliKulpDay
— Vernick Food & Drink (@vernickphilly) July 17, 2015
Saluting our industry friend @EliKulp tonight as Philly raises money in his honor, cheers chef! #EliKulpDay pic.twitter.com/0Du1WDGHss
— Philly Beer Week (@phillybeerweek) July 16, 2015
Kulp's restaurant tweeted the following in return:
People’s generosity never ceases to amaze us! #ThankYou @ElizabethMeltz @Foodnerd73 @KTdolci
— High St. on Market (@HighStPhilly) July 18, 2015
A note on Kulp's GoFundMe page from family friend Kelly Silkworth says that "Eli continues a slow recovery process" and will stay in the rehab facility until at least August.
The page says that while Amtrak has stopped paying for Kulp's medical expenses, his family still needs money for home health aids, medical equipment, an adjustable bed, transportation to therapy sessions and many other costs.
Kulp has a wife and a three-year-old son at home.
"This family continues to fight for recovery and is so appreciative of all the help they have received thus far. As a friend of the family I can say this has truly changed them. I have never known stronger people who continue to fight each and every day," wrote Silkworth.
Another fundraiser will be held in New York City this Monday, with tickets costing $150 to $250 each.
