Hoffman Est. firm rallies for injured employee

Employees from a Hoffman Estates construction firm will hold a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 10, for a co-worker who's been in a coma for 10 weeks.

Eric Bartels, a 26-year-old project engineer at Leopardo, was the victim of an attack on July 25 outside a bar in south suburban Mokena. The single father of a 3-year-old son, who lives in Mokena, suffered brain damage from a fractured skull and other injuries. He remains at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in critical condition.

The man who police said was responsible for the attacks was arrested and is being held on $100,000 bond, said Jennifer Polka from Leopardo.

Bartels' father, Orlynn, is a superintendent at Leopardo, and the company will hold a rummage sale 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10, rain or shine, at the company's parking lot at 5200 Prairie Stone Parkway, across the street from Cabela's.

All proceeds will be donated to the Bartels. Items like furniture, toys, clothes, baby items, books and DVDs have been donated by Leopardo employees to be sold. Prizes like Bears jerseys will also be auctioned off.

For information, go to caringbridge.org/visit/ericbartels or leopardo.com/eric or call (847) 783-3832.

- Ashok Selvam, aselvam@dailyherald.com