Peacock Inn to Host Fundraiser After Death of Employee’s Child

Eli's 1st Day of School 5-7-13
A picture of Eli Waller and his sisters. Photo courtesy of the Waller family.

The Peacock Inn is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 16, to raise money for the Waller Education Fund.

Yardville Elementary Pre-schooler Eli Waller died in his sleep on Sept. 25 and tests later showed he had Enterovirus-D68. His mom, Suzanne Waller, has been a server at the Peacock Inn for the last four years.

“It’s been tough for Suzie and her family,” said Scott Sussman, the Peacock Inn’s marketing director. “Suzie was one of our first employees. It is a sad situation but we are glad to be able to give back by hosting this event.”

The fundraiser, which will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will include food and wine. The Waller family will attend the event. All of the food and wine are being donated, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the education fund.

“Many of our regular customers and people coming through the hotel have been asking about her and how they can help,” Sussman said. “She is well known and liked by many. This will be a nice event to support her and her family and celebrate Eli’s life.”

Eli’s father, Andy Waller, announced earlier this month that the family is establishing  a non-profit called the First Day of School Foundation. The organization will honor Eli’s memory by  providing support for special education students.

“Like so many kids his age, Eli was both nervous and excited about starting school, and it is our sincere hope that this foundation can work to help kids in a way that will make Eli proud of us all, in the same way that we were all so proud of him,” Andy Waller said in a statement about the foundation.

The minimum donation to attend the event is $100, but the Peacock Inn will gladly accept larger donations for the fund, Sussman said. To reserve a ticket call the Peacock Inn at (609) 924-1707.