The ongoing fundraiser for Ted Nagel's new wheelchair is making progress, although the final push to raise the estimated $27,000 needed remains this weekend at the Wheels for Ted Ice Cream Social.
Organizers of the fundraiser have gathered approximately $17,000 for the Gardnerville businessman, who has become a local mainstay often seen driving around town in his customized electric wheelchair.
The chair has weathered more than 10 years of use and has collapsed on Nagel, 47, twice in the last year.
Without a working chair, Nagel, who has been in a wheelchair since being born a quadriplegic, is more or less confined to bed.
Nagel has participated in several service clubs, churches and sings with the Chorus of the Comstock barbershop quartet.
He is involved with the praise and worship ministry at Living Word Fellowship in Dresslerville and runs a printing business out of his home.
A drawing for a Cadillac Sedan de Ville will highlight this weekend's fundraiser scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church at 1375 Centerville Lane in Gardnerville.
The evening will include an ice cream social, entertainment and several raffle items. A number of local artists have donated pieces for a silent auction as well as a custom made wooden rocking horse.
Other raffle items include an Americana-style quilt, a "Dine-Around-Town" dinner package and several merchant gift certificates.
"We are so grateful to all those who have already donated to this project which is so urgently needed," Nagel's mother Peck Nagel said. "We're on our way with their wonderful help."
DETAILS
What: Ice Cream Social Fundraiser
When: Saturday, 6 pm.
Where: Carson Valley United Methodist, 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville.
