Community rallies together to raise funds for City Rep. Alexsandra Annello’s husband

The community came together to raise funds for City Representative Alexsandra Annello’s husband who was seriously injured in a crash just days after the couple’s wedding.

Annello’s husband, Alberto “Beto” Halpern, is a senior administrative assistant for County Commissioner David Stout. The couple was involved in a head-on crash near Marfa in June, just two days after they were married and when Annello was elected into office.

Halpern was seriously injured in the crash, suffering from two broken legs, a broken pelvis, a broken back, a lacerated spleen, a punctured lung, and was bleeding in his brain, according to Commissioner Stout. He has since spent his first month of marriage in intensive care.

“He’s been a rock for me, he’s such a passionate public servant, he loves his job, he loves El Paso, he loves working for the people of El Paso,” Stout said.

Friends of the couple hosted a fundraiser to help with medical expenses. The fundraiser was held Friday afternoon at Tin Man Filling Station on 4952 North Mesa Street in West El Paso. It included a silent auction and all-vinyl record DJ.

“It’s not something that we really thought a lot about it felt second nature. They’re just good people. It’s easy to help them there’s no second thought about it,” Moises Valdez said.

The night was dedicated to the Halpern’s was full of music, art, beer and loteria.

“They’re such beautiful people and I know they would be doing the same. Beto himself is such an advocate, his parents raised him to be one as well, his siblings, they’re so hospitable, whenever we go to Marfa they’re beautiful people,” Laura Valdez said.

Stout tells ABC-7 Halpern is doing well.

“He’s in a rehab center, he’s out of UMC, he’s been there for about a week and a half, he’s doing rehab, he’s walking, he remembers everything about work, he remembers everyone from work,” Stout said.

Stout says Halpern has a long road to recovery, but he’s looking forward to his return.

“My right hand man, and he’s gonna be back and I can’t wait until he is,” Stout said.

Guests were able to bid on items including local artwork. The bar also donated all the proceeds from select taps.

A medical fund account has also been set up at the Marfa National Bank located on 301 Highland Street in Marfa. Donations can be made to The Alberto Halpern Medical Fund, account #1113656.