OGDEN- A local Ogden restaurant says the community has exceeded expectations in raising funds for two brothers struck by lightning at Bear River last week.

Skyler Granath was killed in the incident. His brother Bridger Granath and his friend Jacob Coe were injured.

Former colleagues of Bridger Granath decided to sell pulled pork sandwiches. Tony’s Pizza, which is usually closed on Sundays, opened its doors at noon. Within an hour, the restaurant had sold about 400 sandwiches.

“It was intense,” said Abraham Fraigo, an employee at Tony’s Pizza. “Obviously we were going to donate money from Tony’s employees, but we just came up with the idea of, ‘Hey, let’s just come together, pool some money and try to raise more money with the fundraiser and cook something. We’re happy that the community came out and definitely helped us raise that money.'”

His former colleagues said all the money raised would go towards his medical expenses and Skyler Granath’s funeral costs. Dozens of people lined up outside the restaurant before the fundraiser was set to begin, including Clint Genta, a family friend of the two brothers.

Tony’s Pizza restaurant in Ogden held a fundraiser for victims of a lightning strike last weekend on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The fundraiser exceeded the restaurant’s expectations and donations are still being accepted. (Brianna Chavez, KSL TV)

“The turnout was good. A lot of people came. They sold out much faster than I had hoped,” he said.

Genta said the sandwiches were “perfect,” just the way Skyler Granath would have liked them.

“This boy just had an incredible soul and he left way too soon,” Genta said.

The restaurant continues to accept donations for the Granath brothers, and an account has been set up in Skyler Granath’s name at America First Credit Union to help cover funeral expenses.