It was a night of community and good times during the Fundraiser for Turner Family Car Show which raised nearly $23,000 to support the Turner family.
Over 800 people and more than 121 cars were at the fundraiser which took place at the Silver Skagit Mechanical (SSM) parking lot Thursday night (April 18). Organized by Mackenzie St. Dennis who is a friend of the family, the event was put together for Gage Turner, a 19-year-old man from Hope who was in a serious accident on April 12.
Todd Turner, who was at the fundraiser with his family, said that he was overwhelmed by the community’s immense support and very grateful for the love being shown to Gage during this time.
“Cairith (Gage’s mom and Todd’s wife) and I, we’re over the moon ecstatic by the response from the community,” Todd said. “And we’re speechless over the whole thing (fundraiser). It’s absolutely unbelievable. And we’re very thankful and grateful.
“I can’t honestly thank people enough for all they’ve done.”
St. Dennis worked together with Coun. Dusty Smith, who owns SSM and offered it up as a location for the fundraiser. During the car show, Smith was behind the grill cooking up hotdogs for the hungry and large crowd; the community event had people traveling from as far as Grand Forks and saw the attendance of Mayor Victor Smith, Coun. Zachary Wells, the Yale and District Volunteer Fire Department, and the Hope Army Cadet Corps (to name a few).
The fundraiser was cash only and all proceeds went towards the long-term care of Turner’s injuries. A donation entry of $5 was required to enjoy the hotdogs and pop, and those wishing to enter their vehicles paid a car entry fee of $30. Additional donations were also made on site. A raffle also took place with the chance to win prizes donated by various community members and businesses.
Because of how Gage’s accident occurred, Todd said he also wants there to be more motorcycle awareness and safety. And getting drivers to be more aware of their surroundings.
“Look for motorcycles,” Todd said. “Pay attention to motorcycles when you’re out driving. When you’re checking your blind spots, and looking to see if its safe to go, don’t just look for cars. Look for motorcycles too.”
Gage, who is now awake and was moved to the Chilliwack General Hospital on Monday (April 22), was in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago near the Lake of the Woods. According to BC Highway Patrol, Gage was riding his motorcycle when he ended up hitting the rear of a sedan, at around 4:10 p.m. During this time, the driver of the sedan, a 30-year-0ld woman from Surrey, remained on scene while Highway Patrol temporarily closed Highway 1 around that area to investigate. The investigation is still ongoing .
Due to the severity of his injuries, Gage was airlifted and taken to the Royal Columbian Hospital. When he was first brought to the hospital, Gage was unconscious and put on life support. By April 16 he was awake and coherent and was taken off life support.
Gage, according to many Hope locals, is known in the community as a wonderful, kind, and caring young man. The oldest of three children, he currently works as a fleet manager for Shxw’ōwhámél Ventures and is an active member of the community; in addition to being a former Hope Cadet, he also worked as part of the Hope Brigade Days committee, with his best friend Colten Preston, to bring in the Dirty Money Truck Show.
“This community is such a giving community,” Dusty said during Monday night’s council meeting. “It was pretty cool how amazing people can come together, and how quickly people can come together.
“It made me feel very, very, proud to know that I’m from Hope. And to know what we can do as a community. That was amazing.”
While the fundraiser is over, people can still continue to support Gage’s healing journey by visiting the Gage Turner’s Healing Journey Facebook page. Donations can be made, instantly and directly, to cairithturner@gmail.com.
People can also donate to the Supporting the Turner family GoFundMed (at www.gofundme.com/f/5ax8t3-supporting-the-turner-family) organized by Jaiden Tsai, who is one of Gage’s best friends.
READ MORE: Hope community rallying to fundraise for Gage Turner after serious accident
@KemoneMoodley
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