Eat, Drink and be Merry to Help an RFT Staffer Rebuild His Home [Updated]

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Gut Check invites you to eat, drink and donate to help this RFT staffer rebuild his home.

Earlier this month, Gut Check introduced you to spicy food-lover and RFT staffer Mark Madonna. When one of our writers failed to complete the first level of the Pearl Cafe's spice challenge, Mark conquered it. When that same writer said "Hell no!" to Market Pub House's ghost-pepper-wing challenge, Mark was able to stomach seven of the ten wings.

Early last week, Gut Check received word that Mark, who has worked at the RFT for eight years, lost his home to a fire that began at his neighbor's and spread next door. Mark made it out safely, but his south-city house will have to be gutted and rebuilt. Given Mark's sacrifice for the RFT's food blog, Gut Check invites you to eat, drink and donate to help him get back on his feet.

On Friday beginning at 8 p.m., Bad Dog Bar & Grill (3960 Chouteau Avenue; 314-652-0011) is hosting Bears Under The Arch - Benefit for Mark Madonna, which includes a bare chest and best beard and mustache contest plus plenty of Jell-O shots and a 50/50 raffle. Mark has been Bad Dog's RFT rep for years, and all proceeds from the Jell-O shots and raffle will be donated to him.

After you punch the clock on August 4, join the RFT staff at Three Kings Public House (6307 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-721-3355) for more eating and drinking. Our across-the-street neighbor plans to donate 20 percent of its food and drink sales that day to benefit Mark.