Local Bartender Asks for Community Support in Funding Top Surgery

Rogers Park Social, a local bar located at 6920 N. Glenwood Ave, hosted a fundraiser to raise money for one of their staff members’ top surgeries Oct. 23. The event was hosted in honor of bartender and local resident Aiden Netzky.

The event started at 5:30 p.m. and lasted until the bar closed around 2 a.m.. A mix of regular attendees and newcomers participated in the event, contributing donations while engaging in conversation. A spotfund was opened to support his cause. 

Netzky said he’d never expected so many to take time out of their busy day to support him on such an intense endeavor. 

“No one had to do this but they did.” Netzky said. “I will be forever grateful for that.”

Owner Eric Garcia, along with regulars Christopher Montiel and Katarina Galagaza helped organize the fundraiser. Garcia said it took about three weeks to pull the event together. 

Many regulars described Netzky as personable and caring, noting his ability to create some of Rogers Park Social’s most classic drinks. Garcia acknowledged Netzky’s skillful contribution to the bar since he started working over a year ago. 

“Aiden started off as a barback,” Garcia said. “Whenever he comes up with a cocktail, it is one of the top cocktails for every menu.”

The event was announced Oct. 4 when the bar’s Instagram page shared a post titled “New chest.. Who dis?” The fundraiser included a raffle, auction and bake sale, all aimed at supporting Netzky. 

Rogers Park Social’s mission at its opening in 2014 was to create a social hub and foster a sense of community, according to Garcia. He said he finds it essential for people to interact with those they might not typically engage with. 

Garcia said having staff representing various backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ identities, plays a significant role in building that inclusive environment.

“You can see that so many people are here to support one of our staff who has been here for well over a year,” Garcia said. “And help them get the surgery that they need and that maybe their insurance won’t support.” 

Many attendees such as Bianca Thompson and Trish Haliburton voiced how the support for Netzky’s surgery represents a broader commitment to residents with LGBTQ+ backgrounds. 

Bianca Thompson, a graduate student studying social work and women and gender studies, performed original music to support Netzky’s surgery. Thompson, who said she identifies as queer, believes the fundraiser spreads an essential message about gender-affirming care. 

“It’s life-saving care,” Thompson said. “I am moved and honored to support Aiden’s top surgery because not everyone gets to do this.”

Thompson credits the bar’s familial atmosphere for its place as a pillar in the Rogers Park community. She said the space’s flexibility makes engaging with a diverse group of people easy. Much of the bar’s safe space environment is the result of the efforts of bartenders like Netzky, according to Thompson.

“The bartenders all had my back in really profound and amazing ways,” Thompson said. “I never feel unsafe here because they are looking out for everyone.”

Having undergone the same surgery, attendee Trish Halliburton said events like the fundraiser empower a community to take matters into their own hands and provide support in ways which traditional corporations and health insurance fall short.

“I feel connected to it” Haliburton said. “But everybody going through it is going through it for their own reasons,” 

Halliburton said as someone who has had the same surgery before, it feels important to be able to support people who are also going through those same things. 

“The surgery is always very individual,” Halliburton said. “It’s just our job to support it where we can.”

For trans community members who may feel hesitant to seek support, Netzkey recommended bringing up the topic with someone they trust. He acknowledged while many transgender individuals may not be in a position to ask for help, he believes neighborhoods like Rogers Park offer support for the trans community. 

“It is a bit of a leap of faith,” Netzky said. “But those who know you’re trans and love you more for it will catch you.”

Beyond the fundraiser, Netzky said multiple people have volunteered to help with aftercare and contact surgeons. He said the surgery would offer greater freedom, room to breathe and a “well-deserved break” for his body.

“I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough times,” Netzky said. “I will remember this forever and give as much love I received back out into this community.”