A Pancake Brunch Benefit for the Whipkey family of Milbank is set for Sunday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Speedway Event Center. Cheri Meagher, the staff from Speedway, and the staff from St. Lawrence School are hosting and serving the event.
A silent auction will also be held during the fundraiser. Some of the items up for bid include: KitchenAid stand mixer with attachments, fishing items, Bulldog clothing, gift certificates to local businesses, 10-pound hamburger bundles, Norwex products, a Hobby Lobby basket, and baskets from Whimsy. If you would like to donate anything for the auction drop it off at Speedway.
The proceeds will go to the Whipkeys to defray travel, food, and lodging expenses for medical appointments and lost wages incurred due to the injury seven-year-old Eli sustained this summer.
On July 16, Eli was camping with his family. While he was riding his scooter, he was run over by a pick up truck. The accident severely injured Eli’s right foot and, as a result, he must undergo numerous surgical procedures.
Eli, already has endured four surgeries and is outfitted with a wound-VAC — a device that assists in the closure and healing of a wound by decreasing air pressure on the wound. His treatment also involves two procedures a week that making it necessary for overnight stays in Sioux Falls.
Eli’s dad, Barry, works full time for the South Dakota National Guard and his mom, Sarah, is a third-grade teacher at St. Lawrence School. His brother, Oakley, will enter fourth grade this fall.
While the Whipkeys were traveling to Eli’s appointment in Sioux Falls on July 28, Barry, Sarah, and Eli were involved in a rollover crash. Debris from a semi littered the road and the Whipkey’s car was totaled from the accident. During it all, Eli’s wound-Vac kept running and they were all able to get out safely.
The Whipkeys believe the road ahead now includes a full recovery for Eli, but the process requires skin grafts, reconstruction surgeries, and eventually physical therapy.
Although Eli is currently confined to a wheelchair, his family says it doesn’t slow him down much! Through everything, they say, Eli has remained calm and courageous.
Unable to attend the pancake brunch, but you’d like to make a donation? Donations can be dropped off at Speedway or mailed to: Julie Landmark at 203. South Viola Street in Milbank.
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