Community Rallies to Support Frasca Sommelier Matthew Mather

Among the people who form the fabric of Colorado’s dining scene is sommelier Matthew Mather of Frasca Food and Wine. A pillar of the award-winning Boulder restaurant since its opening in 2004, Mather is widely responsible for curating one of the best wine programs in the country. The team he leads along with co-owner and master sommelier Bobby Stuckey was recognized with a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service, the highest honor in the land for restaurants of Frasca's caliber.

For the last eight days, the wine guy has not been on the floor. Mather has suffered a seizure on October 23 that has left him with a need for recovery time. A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to help him offset some of the lost income and medical costs not covered by insurance. The campaign, which can be accessed here, also shares details on what happened to him - see below.

On Sunday October 23rd our friend and colleague Matthew Mather suffered a seizure while flying home in a small plane from a trip with a group of friends. The seizure compressed and fractured a vertebrae in his back. Matthew spent three days in the hospital undergoing tests and evaluations which, thankfully, turned up nothing. The cause is likely related to a combination of exhaustion, severe dehydration, and stress onboard the plane.

He is now recovering at home and is expected to make a full recovery within the coming months.

As a service industry professional, the majority of Matthews income is earned in the form of gratuities. Although he has insurance which will cover a portion of his medical expenses, he will incur a substantial financial hit by not working while recovering, and boarding his 2 beloved dogs as he is unable to care for them.

If you are able to assist Matthew during this time, please donate in any way you can.

Thank you.

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