Maddie’s Music Fest to benefit teen

Senior suffered injuries after falling off moving vehicle

The community is invited to support 17-year-old Madison Wimmer of Avon Lake at Maddie’s Music Fest on Oct. 6 at Votruba Harbor, 32334 Lake Road in Avon Lake.

Maddie’s Music Fest, which runs from 4 to 10 p.m., will help raise funds toward medical expenses for Madison, who suffered injuries from an Aug. 7 incident.

The event will feature live music, a steak dinner and raffles and a reunion of the beloved Avon Lake band, Crazy Chester, along with local bands including KingFish, West Awake and Six String Cowboy, according to Margie Kaufman, an organizer of the event and a close family-friend of the Wimmer family.

All proceeds raised will help Madison, an Avon Lake High senior, who was injured after falling off of a moving vehicle traveling at 10 mph, hitting her head on the ground, according to the Avon Lake Fire Department.

Madison was transported to UH-St.John’s Medical Center in Westlake then later flown to MetroHealth in Cleveland, according to the department.

She recently returned home and is recovering after spending over a month in hospital care, Kaufman said.

Madison has had a smile on her face everyday since the incident, but has a long road ahead of her as she soon begins rehab, Kaufman said.

She also has not started her senior year, but is hopeful she can graduate with her class, Kaufman said.

Madison and her family wanted to have an event where guests who are supporting their family can get something in return, she said.

A music fest worked out perfectly because Madison has responded well to music, Kaufman said.

“This is way more than a family can endure,” she said. “If we can help raise money,

we will, because we want to help.”

Kaufman said there has been a great deal of community support from residents, organizations and the school district.

Various gift, food and money donations have come in, and yellow T-shirts were made for the community to wear in support, she said.

Yellow is Madison’s favorite color, Kaufman said.

Avon Lake High also will buy yellow T-shirts in Madison’s honor and have a school-wide “yellow out” during the Oct. 26 football game against Midview High School at Midview.

“Avon Lake is like a bubble,” Kaufman said. “We’re that town where even if you don’t know someone, or (are close to) them, we come together in a time of need. It’s a natural thing to do.”

Tickets for the fundraiser are $35 and must be purchased by Oct. 4 at www. maddiesmusicfest.com.

The tickets will not be available at the door.

Maddie’s Music Fest is an adult-suggested show and will occur rain or shine.

Guests are encouraged to bring coolers, folding chairs and their own alcoholic beverages.