July 14, 2005 at 6:57 a.m.
Benefit planned for boy hit by truck
Benefit planned for boy hit by truck
The day’s events will be used as a fundraiser for Jacob Puchtel of North Branch and his family, following an accident April 13 that left Jacob severely injured.
Jacob was hit by a speeding vehicle as he was getting the mail. It left him with many broken bones and brain damage.
He is now home, but is undergoing intensive physical and speech therapy.
Lori Bostic, owner of Scooter’s Grill-N-Pub, said she happened to be at the bike shop of Jacob’s godfather when he received the call about Jacob’s accident that day.
Brian Hennen, owner of Chopper Concepts Inc. in Forest Lake, is Jacob’s godfather and he also lives next door to the Puchtels. He worked with Bostic to put together the benefit this weekend.
Hennen said Jacob has come a long way toward recovery. “You look at him from a distance and you wouldn’t know anything had happened to him,” he said. “It’s quite remarkable because he was hit by a truck going 60 mph.”
Unfortunately, the driver was driving without a license and had no insurance. Hennen said the medical bills not covered by the Puchtel’s insurance total $70,000 and climbing.
The second annual Scooter’s Benefit Run will feature a motorcycle run, bike show, vendors, silent auction, kids games and activities, karaoke and pig roast.
For the bikers involved, the day will start with an 11 a.m. ride into Wisconsin and back, followed by a pig roast. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Bostic said they have sold 280 tickets for the run. “It was a little surprising, especially when we ran out and had to print more tickets,” she said. “But then again it’s not, because anytime there’s a child involved people come out.”
For those participants who are not riding, Chisago City has granted the use of Moberg Park for a day of fun activities for all ages.
From 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. there will be kid’s games and activities, a dunk tank and family entertainment. The children’s band Not Far Behind will hold performances between noon and 3 p.m. and Smokin’ Karaoke will provide D.J. and karaoke fun for kids, or anyone who wants to sing, Bostic said. A beer truck and other vendors will also be set up in the park.
Hennen and Chopper Concepts Inc. will sponsor a motorcycle show starting at 5 p.m. Participants will compete in three classes to be determined by the entries Saturday. Trophies will be awarded in each class around 8 p.m., Hennen said. People don’t have to be part of the motorcycle run to enter the bike show, Hennen added.
The event is co-sponsored by the Stacy Lions and is being led by several volunteers who will be providing their services Saturday. The Chisago City Fire Department is also lending a hand and will be hosting the dunk tank.
Inside Scooter’s, Lonesome Fugitives will provide music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for patrons.
Cost of the pig roast is free to ride participants who pay the $10 per person fee, or $5 for non-riders.
Bostic said they have received several great donations for the silent auction, including kid’s bikes, savings bonds, cash, Ipods and a trip to the Bahamas.
For more information, call Scooter’s at 651-257-2955.
Another benefit for Jacob is also planned for Saturday at his church, St. John’s Lutheran in Stacy from 1 to 5 p.m.
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