Fundraiser supports Turkey earthquake victims in honor of Orlando couple killed
More than 36,000 people have died across Turkey and Syria following last week's catastrophic earthquake and rescuers are still finding people alive one week later. One couple from Orlando did not survive. Alex and Veronica Ilgen were found dead in the rubble and now people in central Florida are showing their support. West Choo's tonight, Gebra Gatigas is live on International Drive where a Turkish restaurant is hosting a fundraiser for victims and survivors tonight. Cafe 34 Istanbul on International Drive offered to host the fundraiser and the event is called Cigars with Alex and Veronica. You see their pictures are up here as well as more information on the fundraiser. We're told cigars were one of Alex's favorite things so tonight his friends are gathered inside one of his favorite Turkish restaurants in Orlando sharing some of the best memories over cigars to honor the Orlando couple.
Things surrounded by friends and family tonight will feel good. Seeing the love from family and friends is bringing some comfort during a time of pain. But also what's giving me goosebumps now is I see people that don't know him. I really am ecstatic and humbled by the presence. We're celebrating Alex tonight. We're celebrating his legacy and his spirit, his vibe. Vasilios Polis is mourning the loss of his best friend Alex Ilgin and his friend's wife Veronica.
The couple from the Dr. Phillips area in Orlando were killed after an earthquake hit Turkey. Before coming here, Polis met with the wife's family Monday morning. That was an emotional rollercoaster. I'm having to deal with the reality of that home now being empty. Dozens of people came to Cafe 34 Istanbul on iDrive Monday night to show their support at a fundraiser. It's honoring the couple and will send all proceeds to Turkey to help victims and survivors.
We're sending to the right resources on the ground and getting the supplies that those people need as fast as possible. It's also a night to celebrate the couple. They're reminiscing and sharing memories over something that Alex loved to do with his community. There was a time where we would do a cigar every night for about four years together just me and him. Just talk about life, talk about business. So this will help me remember those times. He was just a very gracious guy from everyone who knew him and he will be missed.
The restaurant is open 24 hours or so. People are planning to stay here a little longer to support the calls. We're also told that friends are planning to host memorial services to honor the couple later this month as well as next month. Reporting live in Orlando, I'm Sanayka Brigadegas. Watch two news.
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