Sechelt’s 22-year-old Dylan Cross is still in a coma in Vancouver General Hospital after the vehicle she was travelling in collided with a large tree near Hill Road in Sechelt on Sept. 25.
Rescue crews had to cut the young woman from her car and she was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital after the accident, where her family has been visiting her daily.
Friends of Cross are planning a fundraiser to help cover travel costs for the family and it is hoped the effort will also raise some funds to help with the care Cross will likely need once she wakes up.
“We don’t want the family to have to worry about money right now, when things are so difficult,” said Dana Prevost, one of the organizers of the event who is also a friend of Cross.
Prevost, Claire Stalley and Alison Yearly are planning a dinner and dance in Cross’s honour on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Gilligan’s Pub in Sechelt.
For a $20 ticket guests will enjoy a burger and beer, live music by Beach Combover and Friends, a DJ (after the live music), a silent auction, 50/50 draw, raffles and fun surprises.
The group of women are also making T-shirts with Cross’s picture and the phrase “Team Dilly” for those who want to wear their support.
Organizers describe Cross as “the sweetest girl in the entire world,” and they hope to see a big turnout of friends and supporters at their event on Oct. 25, which starts at 4:30 p.m. with live music and runs until close at 1 a.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Gilligan’s Liquor Store or at the door if still available.
When the Sunshine Coast Lions Club heard about the fundraiser the group offered to donate all the proceeds of their meat draw at Gilligan’s Pub, which takes place at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, and the local service club has also pledged to match donations up to a maximum of $500.
“That was just so amazing,” Stalley noted.
She said many businesses and individuals have also stepped up to offer their support by way of silent auction items or services for the event and she noted the organizers are “so thankful for all of the help.”
If you would like to donate to the silent auction, contact Prevost at 604-741-2950. Cash donations are being accepted at Gilligan’s Pub or Liquor Store.
Currently Cross is on life support in Van-couver and is in critical but stable condition, Prevost said.
