Fundraising continues for vehicle for WHS grad

Organizers of a fundraiser to assist in purchasing a vehicle for a Whitefish man are planning a celebration Saturday to continue raising funds and present him with a check.

Gene and Lyn Langstaff started the Josh Burt Mobility Fund to raise money to purchase a new vehicle for Burt, who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair all his life due to paralysis in his legs.

Burt, 19, is a 2017 graduate of Whitefish High School and currently relies on rides from his family and friends to get to and from his work at Safeway and other locations.

The Langstaffs have set a goal of purchasing a vehicle for Burt that is outfitted with specialized mobility tools to help him get around every day. The Langstaffs hope to raise $80,000 to purchase a new half-ton Chevrolet pickup truck.

Donations are being taken through a GoFundMe.com and the Langstaffs have also opened a specific savings fund at Whitefish Credit Union.

As of Tuesday the GoFundMe page had raised almost $12,500. On Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Whitefish Assembly of God Church, at 150 Lamb Lane, a surprise celebration is planned for Burt. On that night there will be auction items, cake and Burt will be presented with a surprise check for the funds already raised.

Organizers plan to continue to raise funds until the goal is met to provide Burt with a modified vehicle.

For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/josh-b-mobility.