Nonprofit Receives $50K Donation In Name Of Bartender Killed In Hit-And-Run

Nearly a year after a Milwaukee bartender died in a hit-and-run accident, a local nonprofit organization is receiving a generous donation in her name.

James Hanson, 36, was a beloved bartender at the Milwaukee Brat House killed on December 24, 2019.

Now, her family and the Milwaukee Brat House donated $50,000 in her name to the Hope House of Milwaukee, a local nonprofit that helps people who are homeless in the community.

A WISN 12 News report at the time that the accident happened around 8:15 p.m. on South Howell Avenue, when Hanson was walking her two Chihuahuas on the sidewalk.

Police later tracked down the car from the incident — which was caught on surveillance footage — and identified the driver as Manuel Salzar-Gutierrez, according to Patch.

"She was just one of the most positive, uplifting people that I've ever met that I've worked with in this industry," Andy Fronek, Hanson’s boss, told WISN at the time of the hit-and-run. "Stepping into a room with her, she would light up that room. Stepping into a shift with her, she was that positive person that kind of always brought everyone else up."

That’s why Hanson’s family and the Milwaukee Brat House donated to Hope House of Milwaukee in her name.

“James Hanson’s family donated $50,000 to the Hope House of Milwaukee. It was the remainder of the money raised at her benefit,” Diane Dowland of the Hope House said in a statement. “James always donated her time and helped rally at all the fundraisers I’ve done over the years, she was an amazing, giving spirit and I’m thankful to have known her. Thank you, Yon Hanson and family for everything. Hopefully the publicity will help bring Manuel Salazar Gutierrez to justice.”

The Hope House of Milwaukee expressed “gratitude for this humbling tribute to this amazing young woman” on Tuesday (December 22).

Photo: Getty Images