Bridgeport residents made their way to Sazon y Mambo on Main Street to raise money for Puerto Rico.

Mayor Pedro Garcia from Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, spoke at the popular Puerto Rican restaurant about the damage Hurricane Maria caused on the island. Garcia has a daughter who lives in Connecticut and saw an opportunity to help his people.

"There is 38 towns that have no lights, have no water so far," Garcia says.

Experts estimate the storm caused $115 billion worth of damage, destroying infrastructure and causing a loss of power and water. Those experts say the island may struggle for the next decade.

A new organization called CT Bridgeport United for Puerto Rico has already raised close to $20,000 but says it's not done yet.

"There's still a great need, there's still a larger need," said Lisette Colon, of Bridgeport. "There's still municipalities that are still waiting, that still have not been reached so we have to continue."

The meet and greet with Mayor Garcia only accepted monetary donations. Checks can be made out to CT Bridgeport United for Puerto Rico.