Hot Springs family helped by local fundraising effort

Hot Springs locals are banning together to help a family that began the month with a near fatal car accident that has seen Sarah Loraas in a Seattle Hospital recovering.

On August 5, Sarah and husband Harold were traveling north towards Kalispell along Highway 93. They were on their way to meet up with Harold’s parents and their two boys when a drunk driver hit them.

The driver of the other vehicle lost control and ran into the front passenger side of the vehicle. Harold sustained some injuries while Sarah sustained the worse, which saw her life flighted to Seattle.

Harold who grew up in Hot Springs, has been in Seattle the whole time with Sarah so she wasn’t alone. Their two teenage boys have been staying with Harold’s parents since the accident in his hometown.

Now it’s time to for the locals to get behind and help one of their own. All thanks to Bucks Grocery.

Owners Jim and Paula Stobie are not only Hot Springs locals; they are the aunt and uncle of Harold. With all that has happened, the Stobie’s are putting aside a great day for a fundraiser to help Harold, Sarah and the boys.

Businesses from within the county and also the surrounding counties have rallied behind the upcoming fundraiser to be held on September 9 at the Lonepine Hall just outside of Hot Springs.

Friends have also begun a fundraising page online for Sarah and Harold. The page is under www.youcaring.com and Sarah’s page can be found by searching- sarahloraas-898437

It is not only the medical expenses that the family needs to fundraise, but also the expenses that accrue from being so far away from home.

Lodging, food and travel for Harold are just some of the areas that are quickly adding up.

The page has been shared over 300 times and donations are sitting at $3,398, with a hopeful total of $15k.

“Everyone’s been so giving,” said Jim Stobie when asked how the hunt for donations has been going.

“It’s truly mind blowing just how giving people in this county are. You wouldn’t see this level of giving back in a big city I guarantee it,” he went on to say.

From ice-cream makers to gift certificates and everything in between, will be up for grabs at the silent auction during the event.

As well as the fundraising page through youcaring.com, Stobie also said that anyone could make a donation at any Valley Bank branch.

“We have an account set up in Harold and Sarah’s name so it is easy to donate,” said Stobie.

“The family is doing well over all, the boys come spend some time with us every now and then but are with their grandparents until things are a little easier,” explained Stobie.

Sarah will soon be moved to an assisted living facility for three months to help with the recovery. She will be unable to move or do much but this is vital for her recovery for her spine, hips and back.

“It would be great if people could come and support the fundraiser, they really need all the help they can get,” said Stobbie.

He went on to explain that the drunk driver who caused the head on collision was only insured for $25k. This is not nearly enough to help, as just the initial ambulance and medical assistance would have used all that up very quickly.

With the event only a week away, family and friends are still working hard to make sure the event has something for everyone.

“It will be a great day, and hopefully we’ll get some good money raised for the family,” said Stobie.