Metzger, a sophomore at Manson Northwest Webster, was in a dirt bike accident last spring which left him in a wheelchair and a paraplegic.

“Seeing everyone be so supportive and helpful, it just means a lot,” said Metzger. “It really helps my mental health a lot knowing that so many people care.”

The Manson Northwest Webster School District and community hosted a benefit supper as well as silent auction, bake sale, kids’ games and more, while the high school’s FFA club hosted donkey basketball games Tuesday evening. All proceeds from the night of events will support Metzger and his family in purchasing adaptive equipment.

“The great thing about Manson Northwest Webster, as a district and community, is that we truly know and care for each student,” said Justin Daggett, the school district’s superintendent.“It’s not just a saying, it’s a core belief that’s lived out every day. Every staff member in our district, and family in this community, feels that these students are our kids, and we will do whatever we can do to help them reach their fullest potential, to live their best life. For Justin, and his family right now, that means we come alongside them after this life-changing event, help them embrace this new reality, and help put them in a position to be successful moving forward.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Ava Messerly, of Manson FFA, reaches for the ball while playing donkey basketball during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.

Metzger’s accident and diagnosis have made many daily activities difficult, but he has adapted to be as self-sufficient as possible. However, there’s one piece of adaptive equipment that Metzger says would not only make day-to-day life simpler, but would also allow him to pursue his dream of farming alongside his dad.

“A LifeLyft would mean that I get my independence back,” said Metzger. “It would save the life of my shoulders and allow me to get in and out of pickups, the combine, and the tractor on my own.”

Metzger said that his family currently has a Genie Lift that allows him to get part of the way to equipment, but then he must work to pull himself further, hoping that he can pull his legs and torso and position them correctly in the equipment’s seat. A LifeLyft would provide Metzger full autonomy to get in and out of farm equipment and vehicles on his own using their remote controlled lift system.

“I’ve always hoped that my dad and I could farm together,” said Metzger. “This would allow me to do that. I love combining and growing. I want to go to Canada and travel the U.S. to see how farming is different. I want to go down south and help with a wheat harvest. I want to see all aspects of farming. This would allow me to do that by getting back my independence.”

A dollar amount raised at the benefit was not yet available, but Metzger and his family were grateful for the community members who came out to support them at the benefit and through their journey since the May accident.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Liam Trimble, of Pocahontas FFA, participates in a game of basketball while riding donkeys during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.

“It’s absolutely amazing the way the community has supported us,” said Kelly Metzger, Justin’s mother. “Friends, family, strangers, everyone has been so supportive. Thank you.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Alexis Essington, of Manson FFA, participates in a game of basketball while riding donkeys during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Owen Compart,16, of Manson FFA, participates in a game of donkey basketball during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident. The donkey appears to be less than enthusiatic about the whole thing.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Aubrey Erikson, of Pocahontas FFA, participates in a game of basketball while riding donkeys during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The crowd cheers on Manson Northwest Webster High School staff during game of basketball while riding donkeys during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Jason Lampe, of Manson, aims for the hoop in a game of donkey basketball during a fundraiser for Justin Metzger on Tuesday in Manson. Metzger was paralyzed from a dirt bike accident.