Teri Vance: Fundraisers to help families of rollover victims

It seems like in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, people really start to focus on what they’re grateful for. Maybe it’s darker days and cooler weather make compiling a gratitude list a worthwhile exercise to combat otherwise dreary days. Or maybe it’s just the Thanksgiving season.

Whatever the case, I always enjoy reading as people document on social media the things that bring them happiness and joy. It reminds me to be more aware of those things in my own life.

At the same time, it also points a sharp contrast to suffering and hopefully makes us more eager to ease the burdens we see others carrying.

Our community was struck hard when seven local high students — six from Carson High School and one from Dayton High — were injured in a rollover on Nov. 9. That kind of pain radiates outward.

This week, an additional student was released from the hospital, leaving four remaining. For all of them, it will be a long road to recovery, bringing much financial strain.

Several fundraisers are planned for the upcoming weeks, and Carson High School government teacher Angila Golik has been instrumental in keeping track of them all.

So here are some relatively easy ways to help the families as you’re just going about life.

A soccer tournament starting 9 a.m. today at the CHS field will donate all the proceeds to the families. The cost is $60 per team.

The Carson High School Photography Club will host a Santa Photo Booth 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today at the Craft Fair. All proceeds will be donated.

Yogurt Beach, both Carson and Douglas locations, will be donating 30 percent of all sales today.

Chili’s Restaurant will donate 15 percent of proceeds 4-10 p.m. Monday.

An anonymous donor has pledged $1 for the first 1,000 spectators who attend Tuesday’s Alumni Basketball Game at 7 p.m. at Carson High School. There’s no admission fee to the game.

The Smoke Baseball Club is hosing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Dayton student injured in the rollover.

The dinner is $5 and will be 2-6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St., Dayton.

Raffle tickets will also be sold, and there will be a donation jar. All proceeds will go directly to the student’s family.

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There are other fun ways to give back as well. Willow Bill Goulardt is looking for volunteers, trucks and trailers to help set up willow along Highway 395 from Carson City to Gardnerville. For 20 years, Willow Bill has worked with area children to create reindeer from willow.

The reindeer are then displayed along Highway 395. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. today at the Carson Mall by Dutch Brothers.

To volunteer, call Willow Bill at 775-842-3594.

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.