Fundraising flourishes for woman paralyzed in Pitts Memorial rollover
More businesses and individuals are getting involved to raise money for the young woman who was paralyzed following a car accident just outside of St. John's Monday.
"I had to do something," says Denise Fowler, owner of restaurant Magnum & Steins in downtown St. John's.
The family of Morgan Pardy, 21, said she is paralyzed from the chest down after the car she was a passenger in rolled over on Pitts Memorial Drive on March 20.
"Morgan's uncle is my best friend and I couldn't not do something. The family is so sweet," said Fowler.
Beer, martinis, nachos — for a good cause
Magnum & Steins is donating $1 from every martini and order of duck nachos served on Saturday to Pardy's recovery efforts. The restaurant will then match that final tally.
Fowler said Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. is stepping up — and donating all sales of its draft beer at Magnum & Steins Saturday to Pardy and her family.
"I think it's touched so many people because of her young age, with such a long life ahead of her," said Fowler.
"For me as a parent, I can't imagine my daughter having to go through something like that."
'We need to pull together'
Fowler said she spoke with Pardy's mom briefly on Saturday.
"She can't believe how much support is coming through and she is so grateful and thankful and she wanted me to pass along her thanks to everyone that's helping," she said.
Fowler said Pardy and her family have enough to think about without worrying about "financial issues at this time."
"Knowing that it's going to be a long road to recovery and we need to pull together as a community to help her concentrate on getting better."
Other businesses, people helping
A donation box has been set up at the Robin's Donuts, located in the Donovan's Irving in Mount Pearl.
"She is a friend and part our Irving family. This box is ... to help her in her recovery," read a Facebook post by Steph Brushett.
Others on social media are launching their own fundraisers, including 50/50 block games — in which people buy a numbered square for $10. A draw is made once all 100 blocks are purchased, with $500 going to the winner and $500 to Pardy and her family.
Coffee Matters had previously announced it would donate $1 from every large coffee sold next Wednesday and match donations, up to $1,000.
Local musician Matty Rose is performing at Magnum & Steins Saturday night, and has planned a benefit concert for Saturday, April 1 at the Factory in St. John's. Admission for the show is $10 with all proceeds going to Pardy and her family. There will be performances by Larry Foley, the Irish Descendants, Selina Boland and more.
A GoFundMe campaign launched Wednesday had already climbed to just under $18,000 by Saturday afternoon.
