By Amanda Monk
Moapa Valley Progress
Caring Moapa Valley residents have come together once again in support of a local youth in need. Overton resident Jana Ward and a group of friends and neighbors have been busy making bracelets to help in a fundraising effort for local youth Jake Pearce.
It’s been three weeks since the unfortunate auto accident that left eighteen year old Pearce, with a long road to recovery. Plans have been made to transport Jake, who received a serious spinal injury in the accident, to a rehabilitation center to receive further treatment. Seeing the need, Ward and her crew have jumped into action to help cushion the inevitably large bill for the family.
“Last year was a hard year for our youth,” Ward said. “There were so many who lost their lives and those who didn’t but were scarred for life.”
Ward said that she has felt a deep sadness and a great feeling of helplessness with these sad events. But this time she decided she was going to be proactive and do what she could to help.
Ward, who has experience in jewelry making, decided to provide bracelets that would inspire members of the community to donate to the cause. no two of the beaded bracelets are alike. But to further personalize them, Jana ads special charms with jumper rings. One is a heart for love. Another is an awareness ribbon serving as a reminder of the purpose of the bracelet. The third charm is a small disc that contains the initials of JP. The intials are hammered by hand by Jana’s husband Hugh, who whistles while he works.
The bracelets are available at Sugar’s restaurant, Qualheim Insurance, Curtis Family Dentistry, Mesa View Physical Therapy and the Moapa Valley Progress. They are given as reminder gifts to those who give a donation of $10 or more to help Jake.
All of the proceeds will be deposited into the Bank of America trust fund in Pearce’s name. Ward plans to sell bracelets as long as there is the need for the support.
“Those who receive the bracelet are receiving more than just stylish beads,” Ward said. “They show a lot of love.”
Ward, along with Sugar’s owner Judy Metz, is also planning a silent auction/raffle to help raise funds also. She said that in 6-8 weeks the auction will take place at the Old Logandale School where they hope to auction off donated items, jewelry pieces made by Ward, and sports collection items from Metz personal collection.
Donations may also be made at any Bank of America branch and a receipt with the correct account number can be shown to receive a bracelet.
Those who are interested in assisting in this effort can call Judy Metz at 397-8084 or Jana Ward at 702-339-8359.
