Auction and show benefit wrestlers
By Victoria A.F. Camron
The Daily Times-Call
BERTHOUD ” Karen Fate was concerned that the community might be exhausted from supporting Tyler Carron and Nikko Landeros.
After all, since the two 17-year-old Berthoud High School wrestlers were struck by a car on Jan. 15 ” resulting in each losing both legs ” the fundraisers have been nearly non-stop.
Carron was released from Denver Health Medical Center on Wednesday, and Landeros is expected to be released soon.
But Fate has been pleasantly surprised as she prepares for Sunday’s silent auction and comedy show at Thompson Valley High School.
“I keep getting more and more calls,” she said.
Sam Adams, a regular at Denver’s Comedy Works, and David Bublitz, who won a “Funniest Person in Colorado” contest and tours nationally, are the featured acts.
Doors open for the silent auction at 4 p.m. Sunday, and the show is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school, 1669 Eagle Drive, Loveland. If the first show sells out, organizers and performers will put on a second show, Fate said.
“They’re prepared to do as many as we need,” she said.
Dozens of items have been donated for the silent auction, including:
Two University of Colorado football packages for four people to attend a game against Kansas University on Oct. 20 or Florida State University on Sept. 15. Each package includes a helmet signed by coach Dan Hawkins, a pre-game visit to the football field and CU Buffs clothing.
Packages for CU men’s and women’s basketball games during the 2008 season, with the games to be determined.
A Wheaties box signed by Cael Sanderson, the only wrestler to be featured on the cereal box. Sanderson gave signed boxes to Carron and Landeros as well.
Concessions and “Berthoud Cares” T-shirts featuring the boys’ photos also will be sold.
In Longmont, two businesses also are raising money for Carron and Landeros.
Ragazzi Italian Grill will host a dinner from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the restaurant, 1135 Francis St. For $20, the restaurant will offer lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, pesto pasta, fettuccini alfredo and ravioli, as well as beverages.
At Grandpa’s Pawn & Gun Shop, 312 Main St., all profits from jewelry sales through Valentine’s Day will be donated to the boys.
Rod Brandenburg, the store’s owner, said his goal is to raise $10,000.
“If we sell some of our high-end jewelry here, we can do it,” he said.
“We want to contribute. If it’s a good cause like that, I think we’re called upon to do that,” said Brandenburg, who lives about a mile from the crash site.
Fate said she believes Berthoud’s history of teenagers dying tragically, especially in car crashes, is one reason for the community’s response. More than $250,000 has been raised so far.
“We’re just glad they survived,” Fate said. “How many teens were lost? We couldn’t do anything for them.”
You can still help
Cards and letters can be sent to:
Berthoud Wrestlers
c/o Brad Pickert Jr.
19510 Weld County Road 5
Berthoud, CO 80513
Updates on the boys’ conditions and more information on ways to help is available at www.berthoudcares.com.
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What: The Tyler Carron/Nikko Landeros Charitable Fund
Where: Bank of the West, any location, or mail to 1610 Hover St., Longmont 80501.
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What: Berthoud Wrestling Club Medical Fund
Where: Centennial Bank of the West, any location, or mail to 807 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, 80513. Donations also can be made via PayPal at www.berthoudcares.com/donate.php.
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What: Comedy show and silent auction
When: Silent auction starts at 4 p.m.; comedy show is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Thompson Valley High School, 1669 Eagle Drive, Loveland
Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Tickets are available at Hays Market, 919 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, and 201 Johnstown Center Drive, Johnstown.
Information: For more information or to donate to the silent auction, e-mail Karen Fate at [email protected].
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