On Tuesday, the Manson Northwest Webster community is coming together to support the Manson Northwest Webster student, his family, and his love of farming as they host a benefit fundraiser. All proceeds from the benefit will help Metzger’s family purchase adaptive equipment for his home, vehicles, and farm equipment.

“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.”

According to Kelly Metzger, Justin is a complete paraplegic after he lost control of his dirt bike earlier this spring.

“He was going too fast and went in the air and landed just so and broke his spine and back in multiple areas,” said Kelly Metzger. “He’s a complete paraplegic at this time but has really made some wonderful improvements. He’s very independent.”

Justin is able to do most things, including drive himself to Manson Northwest Webster Jr./Sr. High School where he is currently a sophomore. He’s able to drive thanks to adaptive equipment in his vehicle.

“He’s a strong-willed kid,” said Kelly Metzger. “It’s been hard emotionally, but Justin has a really good support system of family and friends. Justin has so much life left to live. His arms and shoulders get him where he needs to be.”

Tuesday’s benefit will help with the purchase of adaptive equipment for daily living for Justin, including a LifeLift which will help him to safely get in and out of a tractor, combine or even a skid loader on the farm.

Proceeds will also helpto offset expenses of the Metzgers’ necessary home remodel, as Kelly Metzger said it wasn’t handicap-accessible at the time of the accident.

Tuesday’s benefit at the high school includes a freewill donation dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., including walking tacos, pork loin, or pulled pork, along with a silent auction of more than 100 items. Free kids’ games are also available, in addition to a bake sale and face painting.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the MNW Dance Team will perform, followed by three games of Donkey Basketball with MNW students taking on Pocahontas students in the first game, and MNW Teachers taking on Manson Celebrities in the second game. A championship game will follow.

Donkey basketball is sponsored by the Manson Northwest Webster High School FFA.

Tickets are $10 when purchased at the school or $15 at the door. Monetary donations can also be made at Security Savings Bank in Manson or made out to Kelly Metzger.

“We are so appreciative of everything that everyone has done,” said Kelly Metzger. “There have been so many donations from people we know, anonymous donations, people who have left flowers on my porch and I’m not sure who they’re from, even people who have randomly sent checks to Justin with the statement ‘God Bless’ on them. Our community has been so supportive. People want to help, and we appreciate it so much.”

Benefit Fundraiser for Justin Metzger Family

When: Tuesday

5-7 p.m.: Freewill donation dinner,

including walking tacos, pork loin, pulled pork

Silent auction including nearly 100 items.

Free games for kids in the gym, bake sale and face painting.

7-8 p.m.: Performance by the MNW Dance Team

Donkey Basketball

Bids for silent auction will close at start of second Donkey Basketball game.