Bridger BBQ a big draw

OREM — Skate shoes, a snowboard, gift certificates and baskets brimming with scrapbook supplies lined the tables at the Bonneville Park pavilion Thursday night — just another way for the community to say "Get Well, Bridger."

Some people came to the Bridger Hunt barbecue fundraiser/auction in Orem even though they didn't know the 11-year-old firework-blast victim.

On July 24, Bridger was riding his bike in his grandpa's Lehi neighborhood when a neighbor's homemade firework exploded, and parts of it ripped through the left side of Bridger's body, nearly severing his leg. Doctors have been able to keep his leg attached, but they're not sure how much use of the limb he'll regain.

Bridger should have been going into seventh grade in a few weeks; instead he's in a medically induced coma at Primary Children's Medical Center.

Rosemary Thomas and her four sons, Ian, Isaac, Gavin and Gabe, from Draper, had planned an extended-family party in Sandy on Thursday night — until they heard about Bridger and a chance to help.

They've never met the blond skateboarder, but Ian is 12, and that was enough of a connection.

"When I heard he was lifting weights to get ready for junior high, it kind of reminded me of me," Ian said with a shy grin. "I'm kind of wimpy."

"I wish I could take his spot," said 13-year-old Mikayla Murphy, her eyes filling with tears. "He wanted to be a skateboarder so bad. I don't need my legs for anything. It's so sad."

Several skate shops donated items for the silent auction, including a long board, skate board, skate shoes, hats, shirts and jeans.

"He really wanted to be a pro skateboarder," said 9-year-old Zach Jarvis, who knows Bridger through his sister, 12-year-old Jenna Jarvis, one of the event organizers. "We just wanted to help him out."

But Bridger's story extends beyond his young friends and skate buddies.

Jess Wright drove all the way down from Salt Lake to make his donation and ended up helping cook hot dogs.

"I'm an educator," he said. "Just hearing stories like this rips you apart. Any kid has a special place in my heart."

Also on hot dog duty were Ken Noland and his son Kerry. Ken's granddaughter, 12-year-old Kaeli Noland, was another driving force for the fundraiser.

Ken Noland estimated that close to 90 percent of the items at the event were donated, including more than 1,200 hot dogs and buns and items for the silent auction.

"This has been absolutely amazing," said Travis Shaw, Bridger's stepdad. "Good people have just been coming out of nowhere, giving whatever they can."

He said their family is trying to stay positive and not focus on revenge or any bitter feelings toward Craig Miller, who has been criminally charged for the firework blast. When they're with Bridger in the hospital, everything is happy, Shaw said.

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