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Big Sky locals launch benefit funds for grizzly victim
Published
4 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Michael Somerby EBS STAFF
BIG SKY – When a grizzly bear attacked a local mountain biker on Memorial Day, a group of Big Sky residents sprung into action to help the Scherfig family cope with soaring medical expenses.
Peter Scherfig was mauled by a grizzly bear in a surprise encounter while mountain biking on the Fish Camp Trail in the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club community west of Big Sky. He was rushed to Billings Clinic trauma center via life flight helicopter and as of Monday night remained in stable but critical condition, suffering lacerations and puncture wounds to the face and back.
The first grizzly attack in 23 years in Big Sky, the story sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, with outlets as far as the coasts picking up the story. But the damage is far from over.
As with many accidents, Scherfig and his family are suffering beyond the physical and emotional damage inflicted on May 25. Aside from the initial bill associated with the helicopter ride and emergency medical services, Scherfig will also undergo facial reconstructive surgery at a to-be-determined date and facility, among other ongoing medical needs.
Through an effort spearheaded by close friends Marjorie Knaub, Debbie Applebaum, Lisa Knorr and Patty Dickerson, the community has rallied behind the Scherfigs and started two funds to help support them through the complex and expensive medical journey ahead.
“I know Peter and Katie [Scherfig] have a high deductible, and I don’t know the costs of the life flight to get to Billings but it’ll be expensive,” said Knaub, adding that the cost of having to fly elsewhere for surgery will also increase medical expenses.
Working as a CPA, Knaub quickly gathered the tax information necessary to start the Peter Scherfig Benefit Fund at Big Sky’s First Security Bank branch.
“People hoping to donate can go to any First Security Bank in Big Sky or Bozeman and say they want to donate to the fund,” Knaub said, noting the fund was officially formed on May 26.
In addition to the fund at First Security Bank, Applebaum set up a GoFundMe campaign with the same goal in mind. Between the two initiatives, friends and family hope to raise $30,000 to begin to cover the Scherfigs’ expenses.
As of press time on May 27, the GoFundMe campaign had met more than $4,000 of it’s goal, a number that will no doubt rise in the coming hours, days and weeks as Big Sky supports one of its own.
Visit gofundme.com/f/bear-mauling-in-big-sky to make a donation via GoFundMe.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
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