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Restaurant holds fundraiser to benefit former police officer’s foundation

NOW OPEN: Tom's Tavern is reopening to the public on Oct. 13 after being renovated. The restaurant hosted an event last Thursday to benefit the Beyond the Flames foundation. (Photo by Sarah Dinell)
NOW OPEN: Tom's Tavern is reopening to the public on Oct. 13 after being renovated. The restaurant hosted an event last Thursday to benefit the Beyond the Flames foundation. (Photo by Sarah Dinell)

The iconic downtown Phoenix restaurant Tom’s Tavern & 1929 Grill hosted a fundraiser Thursday to benefit a former Phoenix Police officer’s fledgling charity.

The proceeds of $31,000 benefited Jason Schechterle’s Beyond the Flames Foundation, which aims to help those adjusting to life-changing events through inspirational, motivational and financial assistance.

Schechterle started Beyond the Flames earlier this year, influenced by his own accident in 2001. As a Phoenix Police officer he was in a near-fatal car accident resulting in burns to more than 50 percent of his body, including third and fourth degree burns from his face to his torso. He was not expected to ever talk or walk again.

After 52 surgeries, Schechterle can walk and travels around the country as a motivational speaker.

“It’s something I genuinely enjoy doing,” Schechterle said. “I want to make a positive change to help people through life-changing adversity.”

Schechterle took this one step further in founding Beyond the Flames.

“I believe strongly in charity,” Schechterle said. “I had several do so much through the years for me and my family so I wanted to give back and start my own charity to help people who are going through similar adversities.”

Tom’s Tavern & 1929 Grill, a local favorite and host of Schechterle’s fundraiser, opened in 1929. It has been a meeting place for most politicians and business people in Phoenix.

Michael Bidwill, president of the Arizona Cardinals, could not stand to see it close because the restaurant and the discussion it fosters “has been a Phoenix tradition.”

He finalized the sale of Tom’s Tavern & 1929 Grill in January.

“I didn’t want to see a place with this kind of history close,” Bidwell said. “I want it to be a positive place in Phoenix.”

In a 10-week renovation, the owner and employees said they wanted to remain true to the history of the restaurant.

“We preserved a lot of the history, some of the pictures date back to the mid-'20s and '30s,” manager Greg Freed said.

As Tom’s Tavern planned its re-opening, Bidwill decided it would create events to benefit various local and national charities.

His sister, Nicole Bidwill, was recently appointed to the board of directors of Beyond the Flames; Michael said it would be the perfect charity for fundraising.

“I couldn’t think of a better charity to support,” Bidwill said. “(Schechterle) is a terrific person and I wanted to do something to support the foundation.”

 

Reach the reporter at sdinell@asu.edu

 

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