In the news: Mound community plans fundraiser for Eli Hart on what would be his 7th birthday

A fundraiser is planned at Mound area restaurants and bars for Thursday, Dec. 15 to raise money for the Eli Hart Memorial Playground in Mound.

On Dec. 15, Eli should have turned 7-years-old.

Back in May, police said Eli was found fatally shot in the trunk of a car driven by his mother, Julissa Thaler, who has been charged in the case with his death.

“He was the most amazing loving, caring, happy little boy,” said Nikita Kronberg, whose family fostered Eli for 11 months.

The Mound community is trying to fundraise money in order to turn the Surfside Park playground, into the new Eli Hart Memorial playground.

“It’s definitely for our community to heal, and his family to go there and remember him by, I know it’s important to them where families can go and make memories,” said Tiffany Beitler, playground committee organizer.

The support from the community and beyond to try and build the playground comforts those who knew little Eli well.

“I cry with all the joy and all these kind people coming together,” said Kronberg.

The following locations are taking part in the Eli Hart Fundraiser, donating 10% of sales, according to organizers.

* Back Channel Brewing
* Carbone’s Mound location
* Culver’s Navarre location
* Ooh La La Boutique in Excelsior
* Parlour Bar at Back Channel Brewing

The Rotary Club of Mound Westonka recently announced their donation of $10,000 to help fund the project.

“As part of our commitment to community service here, we hope this provides some level of comfort to Eli’s family and friends,” wrote Tom Venable, with the Rotary Club.

Venable mentioned that the club group is working with other Lake Minnetonka Rotary Clubs to help fundraise for the project.