Local restaurant serving up BBQ dinners in support of 12-year-old struck by bullet

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Local businesses are serving up warm BBQ meals with a drive-thru fundraiser in support of 12-year-old MJ Rivera who was shot by a stray bullet last week. “Our motto is Troy Strong.” 

Members of the community say they want to show MJ what "Troy Strong" truly means. MJ Rivera is paralyzed from the waist down, with very minimal to no chance of walking again, however the Rivera family is staying positive.

“I think people are saying enough is enough, let's stand together and thats whats happening. It’s time the community has been through a pandemic and so much more. Now we are standing together,” said Howard Gross, Owner of Iron Works Grill.

The Iron Works Grill in Troy hosted a lunch and dinner COVID-19 safe drive-thru BBQ fundraiser on Monday. The dinner included 1/4 of chicken, potato salad, baked beans and cornbread.

A handful of local businesses participated in the fundraiser. They sold Helmbolds hot dogs and Red Front Restaurant & Tavern Fresh Pizza for lunch.

All the money raised will go to help MJ's family with medical expenses. It’s a $10 minimum donation.

Local artists painted murals outside the Iron Works Grill. They want to raise awareness through their work.

“I want the community to express their ideas through our hands. I want to get the kids in Troy involved and give them an option not to get involved in drugs, gang violence and shootings,” said Chris McDermott, Founder of Troy Art Group.

Many people said they don't know the Rivera family personally, but they just wanted to do something to help.

“MJ is going to be in a wheel chair. The child has a long battle ahead and we need to stop this. There are shootings everyday in Troy, and I don’t know what the solution is. We have to do something, and somebody has to step up,” said Edward McAvoy, Owner of Collar City Painting LLC.

“Unfortunately this is a terrible circumstance, but you know it just shows that we are all in this together. No matter what, we are all affected,” said Rebecca Delgaizo.

MJ is expected to be moved from Albany Medical Center to a local rehab center on Tuesday.