For more than four years, local restaurateur Brian Metzger has put smiles on the faces of Tucson’s foodies, through his award-winning eateries Jax Kitchen and The Abbey. Today, Metzger is asking for the community’s help in sharing those smiles with his twin brother, Jay, who is battling a rare and paralyzing neurological disorder.

On October 22, at 6:30 pm, Metzger will host special Jay Day Dinners at both Jax Kitchen and The Abbey to raise money for his twin, who was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, leaving him unable to move, speak, and even breathe on his own. While he has begun to shows signs of recovery, the financial burden he faces is acute, as the disorder has rendered his family unable to pay medical and other bills.

The dinners, which will be hosted simultaneously at both restaurants, will include a cocktail party (featuring the special ‘Jay-bird cocktail’), a delicious 3-course dinner and special wine selections. All of the food has been donated by U.S. Foods, and each restaurant staff member, from the front of the house to the back, will be volunteering their time that evening. This way, Metzger says, 100 percent of the money raised will be donated to Jay and his family. Metzger will be traveling between each restaurant to introduce Jay via video, and to share stories about him and his beautiful wife and young daughter.

The all-inclusive dinner is $150 per person, and seating is limited. To make reservations to attend the dinner at Jax Kitchen, please call 219-1235. If guests wish to attend the dinner at The Abbey, please call 299-3132.