Benefit auction planned for former Spokane Braves player Tony Talotti

Former Spokane Braves hockey player Tony Talotti is expected to make a full recovery from a brain aneurysm suffered on March 10.

His medical bills are another issue, so his brother Darin has organized an auction to be held Friday at the family-owned Red Lion BBQ and Pub, located at 126 N. Division.

“As we all know, the rising cost of medicine and insurance will one day hit us all. Never did we see it happening to Tony,” Darin posted this week on Facebook.

Darin Talotti also has set up a GoFundMe account, which as of Tuesday had raised $10,801 toward a goal of $15,000.

“Thank you all for the generosity!” Tony Talotti wrote on the GoFundMe page. “I have known some of you my whole life, and a few in passing.

“I thank you all the same. It has been a tough 6 weeks, but you all keep me ahead of schedule! No stopping, I am alive after all!”

Tony Talotti, 42, played junior hockey with the Spokane Braves and owns the Red Lion with his father, George. The pub is a popular stopping point for sports fans.

The Red Lion also is regular stop for the Saint Mary’s basketball team when it is in town to play the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The benefit and silent auction will begin at 3 p.m. For a $20 donation, attendees will receive food and beverages.