A game, and other benefits, for Gary Jenkins
Rappahannock County High School’s varsity football team meets the Mountaineers of Madison County on the RCHS field at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 19), and while the best team will win, there’s another potential winner of the contest — originally scheduled as a free-of-charge scrimmage but changed to a benefit game to help out a former player.
Per Virginia High School League rules for benefit games, the gate revenue is split three ways between the competing schools and the VHSL. For this Friday’s game, the RCHS athletic department will be donating its share of the gate revenues to the Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, with the intent that those funds be earmarked for the WVFR fund that has been set up for RCHS alumnus Gary Jenkins. Additionally there will be other fundraisers for Gary Jenkins throughout the night.
Jenkins, a 2014 graduate of RCHS and three sport varsity athlete, was badly injured in an auto accident while on his way to an EMS call this past summer. All fundraiser proceeds are designated to offset the family’s mounting medical expenses.
The night includes a show by the awardwinning Panther Marching Band, who will conduct a dress rehearsal of their “Bohemian Rhapsody” halftime show. Gates open at 6 p.m.
WVFR’s chief, Ann Spieker, meanwhile reports this week that Gary Jenkins is gradually improving, and has regained some upper right leg control, as well as the left thigh. “Gary has adapted to his ability and is doing extremely well,” Spieker reports. “He is in great spirits and is scheduled to come home Thursday.”
Outpatient therapy, which Jenkins starts in a few weeks, will likely rely on the funds collected by the fire department and others in the community. WVFR has set up a bank account in Gary Jenkins’ name at Union Bank & Trust, so any checks deposited at any Union Bank with his name in the memo field will go to the account.
A car wash by Gary’s coaches, former teammates and their families this weekend raised more than $8,000, Spieker said, and others, including Racer Construction, Habitat for Humanity and Terry Robey, have donated time and materials to make Gary’s house accessible by wheelchair. Amy Hitt has organized donation boots at local stores and restaurants, and the Flint Hill Public House this weekend raised $600 with a special dinner.
“I am so proud of the community support in helping this young man,” Spieker said.