Friends plan fundraisers to benefit Joey Jacobsen

Friends of 10-year-old Joey Jacobsen, who suffered a serious head injury in a woodcutting accident, expanded their support for the boy and his family by scheduling a variety of fundraisers this week.

We Believe " Joey Jacobsen Poker Run is set for 9 a.m. Saturday beginning at Harley Davidson in Carson City and ending at Jethro's in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

Smiley Cazier and Tim Miller, who know the Jacobsens through Little League, organized the event to help with nonmedical expenses incurred by the Minden family who have been at their son's bedside at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.

Joey remained in critical condition at the hospital, but was responding to touch as medication was cut back that induced a coma. Family members said he showed movement on both sides of his body.

"The family needs community help," Cazier said. "We are sure they would do the same thing for any of us."

He's looking for volunteers to help with the poker run. A meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Stratton Center in Gardnerville to plan the event.

Organizers also are looking for donations for raffle and silent auction items.

Joey was hurt Nov. 22 in a woodcutting accident in Markleeville.

He is the son of Robbi and Tim Jacobsen and grandson of Betty Jacobsen and the late State Sen. Lawrence E. Jacobsen.

The family has been keeping friends up-to-date on Joey's recovery through a Web site on Caring Bridge. By Monday afternoon, the site had exceeded 21,000 visits and 1,500 personal messages for Joey and his family.

Cazier said he woke up early Thanksgiving and came up with the idea of the poker run.

"This is about a kid," he said. "You don't wish that on any person. It puts a heck of a burden on a family."

Keith Hart, a family friend, fellow coach and owner of Big Daddy's Bicycles & Fitness in Gardnerville, is putting together a float to honor Joey in the annual Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Hart is looking for volunteers to help build the float and any children who would like to ride in the parade.

"Hopefully, we'll park a trailer in front of the store tomorrow (Tuesday). Whoever wants to donate lights or help put them on can come on by. The theme will be 'We believe,' and Joey's Little League team, the Pirates," he said.

Hart said there were several reason for the float including helping the family and giving the community a way to show support.

"Joey and my son Jace are very close friends, best friends. I'm a second dad," Hart said.

He said he was gratified by the outpouring of support for the Jacobsens, from the thousands of visits to Joey's Web site to the people who bought a Christmas tree from Steve Stratton with the proceeds going to the Jacobsens.

"I think Steve (Stratton) said it best today," Hart said. "It renews your support for the Valley. We kind of thought we lost that for a bit, but everybody is grateful we live here."

YOU CAN HELP

-- An account has been set up at the Bank of America in Minden, no. 5010-0730-0228, Joey's Donation, to assist the family with expenses not covered by insurance.

-- Family friend Steve Stratton has opened Joey Jacobsen Tree Lot with proceeds going to the Jacobsen family. The lot is at Stratton Center, Highway 395, Gardnerville.

-- A poker run is 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. The event begins at Harley Davidson, 2900 Research Way, Carson City and ends at Jethro's in the Gardnerville Ranchos at 12:30 p.m. Items are being sought for a raffle and silent auction. The entry fee is $10 a hand and the poker run is open to all vehicles. Information: 781-7621 or 781-7571.

-- Volunteers are needed to help build Joey Jacobsen's float for the Parade of Lights on Saturday. The float will be parked at Big Daddy's Bicycles & Fitness, 1546 Highway 395, Gardnerville. Information: 782-7077 or 781-0650.

SEND A MESSAGE TO JOEY

Caring Bridge Web Site

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joeyjacobsen