Benefit concert planned for injured student
The date Feb. 22 is a day that changed a lot of lives in Putnam County.
That's when Rose-Hulman football standout and Putnam County resident Drew Christy was critically injured in a accident when his vehicle slid on a patch of black ice on U.S. 40.
The Hulman sophomore is a South Putnam High School graduate who just made the dean's list last semester. He is the son of Debbie and Mark Christy.
He has been in critical condition at St. Vincent Hospital since his accident and was just moved to Seton Specialty Hospital. He is on the road to recovery and he is breathing on his own with a good heart rate and signs of movement. His family is preparing to move him to a long term facility which specializes in physical and mental stimulation.
Members of the New Providence Church are sponsoring a benefit concert for Christy Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at South Putnam High School Gym. There will be music, food, baked goods and a raffle. A free will offering will go toward Christy's medical expenses.
Jack Gibson, a member of New Providence is one of the forces behind uniting the community in an effort to support the Christy family.
"Drew is a really super young man. I don't know many 20 year-olds who would take the time to talk to a 14 year-old and even play some Christian music with him but Drew did," says Gibson.
The biomedical engineering major carries a grade point average above 3.80 and was nominated for the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team last fall. Christy is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and has earned Dean's List accolades during each quarter of his academic career.
According to Rose Hulman Football Coach Steven Engle, "on the gridiron, Christy led Rose-Hulman with three interceptions and forced a pair of fumbles last season." The Fightin' Engineers finished with a 7-3 record in 2007.
A large number of items have been donated by community businesses including shirts and hats from Dixie Chopper, a stock car cast from Car Quest, hats from Napa and lots of food coupons from area restaurants.
Coach Engle has had special tee-shirts made which have been on sale at Rose Hulman and will be available to community members.
Entertainment will include worship teams from area churches, South Putnam High School Wings Choir and local musicians.
"The support from the community has been overwhelming," reports Gibson. "Everyone wants to give."
Prayer teams have kept a round the clock vigil on Christy's behalf in half hour increments. Over 1,685 messages have been left for the family on a web site, which allows his family to keep a journal and chart his progress for the community to see. Messages for the family can be left on site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewchristy
The doors at SPHS will open at 2 p.m. on Sunday with events starting at 3 p.m.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Gipson at 765-653-3145 or drop of prizes or donations at New Providence Church or Greencastle Christian Church.