Fundraising takes off to provide Beckett with ‘bucks for a buggy’

Without speaking a word, Beckett Peterson lights up a room and brings a smile to all those he meets.  Now, it’s giving great pleasure to all those that know Beckett to return the favor.

Beckett, a third grader at Clear Creek Elementary, was born with a Mitochondrial Disorder.  He uses a wheelchair and a device to communicate.  As they have watched him grow, Beckett’s family, teachers and support staff have become aware of a new challenge facing the happy nine-year-old — transportation.  The growing boy is currently lifted in and out of the car and then in and out of a wheelchair.

“In one of our meetings we were discussing transporting Beckett and ideas just sort of took off,” explained Jill Wurth, Beckett’s special education teacher.  Together with Pat Weigel, special education consultant from the Area Education Agency, and Sarah Murty, AEA Speech/Language pathologist, and others, a plan was developed to begin fundraising to help Beckett’s family purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

The drive has taken off beyond the wildest expectations of its organizers.

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Just three weeks into the asking, a Go

Fund Me Page has received more than $10,000 in donations.  In addition, fundraisers such as yoga and boxing events sponsored by Next Level Fitness and Monarch’s Fitness Concepts have raised $1,798.  In the future, Culver’s has offered to donate 10 percent of its proceeds between 5 and 8 p.m. June 14.  T-shirt sales are also in the future plans.

Private donations are also supporting the “Get Bendy for Beckett” fund drive.

All money raised will go directly into a fund for a wheelchair accessible vehicle for Beckett.  The cost of the wheelchair accessible vehicle Beckett needs is approximately $40,000.

Those wishing to contribute may drop off or send their donation to MBT Bank in Clear Lake; denote the gift is intended for Beckett and should be deposited in the Teachers for Students Fund.

“Beckett is so loved by everyone.  He just has such a personality he lights up the day,” said Weigel.  “I think people are enjoying being able to do something for him.”

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