Community gathers to help Pepitos restaurant owner with medical bills

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Hundreds of people joined together Saturday night to raise money for a restaurant owner in need of a helping hand. 

Comedian Louie Anderson appeared by video to raise money for Pepitos owner Joe Minjares. Minjares has been struggling with pulmonary fibrosis and had a lung transplant this week.

The family has been struggling to keep the restaurant open, and Saturday's fundraiser is meant to give them a boost.

"Joe has just been a bright light and a generous soul to his community, the neighborhood, and all the comics, and the acting community as well," organizer Kristin Andersen-Anderson said.