Arts in the Park vendor to raise money for boy with heart condition

Published 7:22 am Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Family friends of an Austin boy who was born missing the left half of his heart are teaming up to raise funds for medical costs.

Barb Bleckeberg and roughly seven others will be selling “walking tacos” (also known as taco in a bag) as well as bars, soft drinks and water at the first Austin Community Arts in the Park event Sunday, held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Veterans Pavilion and Bandshell Park.

“They’re a family in need, and as friends of the family, it will be one way to help them out,” Bleckeberg said, who added that donations will also be accepted Sunday.

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Nathan Dorsey is 8 months old and was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. His mother Michelle said he’s had two heart surgeries already and has two more scheduled.

“He’s doing very well,” she said. “He’s growing at home, and he’s happy.”

Michelle Dorsey said every donation helps and said she was very thankful of the efforts of Bleckeberg and other family friends.

“It’s very nice,” she said. “They’ve done a few things already. They’ve been very helpful.”

The Austin Community Arts in the Park will feature music, performing and visual arts, crafts as well as non-profit organizations and food vendors as well.

The event is free.