UPDATE: Johnstone Fundraiser Gains Support from Local Businesses

Organizers for the Support Zone for Keith Johnstone fundraiser at the Orange Ale House next Saturday are excited about the support they've received from local businesses.

Isabel Kearns, one of the organizers, said she was amazed at how willing everyone was to participate in the cause.

With just a few phone calls on a Tuesday afternoon, she gathered up gift certificates, gift baskets, a brand new mattress set and a television to use in the raffles and auctions. Numerous restaurants have also donated gift certificates

Jo Johnstone, Keith's wife, who's stood by his side since the accident that changed thier lives, also brought home many terrific certificates, including three yards of top soil and three yards of mulch from a Bethany business; a cord of wood - delivered; service to paint a 12X12' room; and gift certificates for a one-night stay at a beachfront motel.

They also have free oil changes, and gift certificates for Georgina's Hair Studio, Knight's Power Supplies and NuVita Frozen Yogurt and Cafe.

The most valuable prize, which will be auctioned off live is a unique diamond heart-shaped necklace, valued at nearly $2,000.

Prizes will be available in a live auction, silent auction, Chinese raffle and regular raffle drawings.

The Support Zone for Keith Johnstone fundraiser will take place at the Orange Ale House, 517 Boston Post Road, Orange, on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets are $25, which gets you two free draft beers and food, and live entertainment by Old Skool, featuring Eddie Choiniere. The event will be emceed by radio personality Brian Smith.

Keith Johnstone is a Bethany volunteer firefighter. In August 2008, while working at his paid job at the Bethany Highway Department, Keith was cutting down a tree in front of Hinman Fire Station when a large, dead branch above him snapped off, hitting him in the head and slamming him to the ground.

Keith was paralyzed. He spent five months at a rehabilitation hospital in Colorado where he learned to use a special wheelchair, and then returned to Connecticut.

He received therapy at Gaylord Hospital for many months and even began to walk, taking a few steps on his own on his birthday in 2010. His spirit, determination and progress were documented in the Amity Observer newspaper, and later updated on Orange Patch.

Just as his full recovery seemed to be on the horizon, a series of infections, and insurance red tape began holding back his progress.

His therapy sessions were cut, the insurance agreed to work on his legs, but not his upper extremities, according to the family. They covered some home treatments, but not others — setting him back to where he was three years ago.

Keith’s friends are holding a fundraiser on Aug. 20 to raise money that will purchase equipment so he can receive the therapy he needs daily in his home. Keith will attend the fundraiser.

Tickets are available at each of the tri-town firehouses, Orange Ale House, Mr. Kold Kuts, Applebees, Bear and Grill, Bethany Town Hall, and other locations.

Here is a list of most of the items that will be auctioned/raffled on Saturday.

Gift Certificates:

Slainte Pub & Eatery, Naugatuck 

Antonios Restaurant Woodbridge

Coromandel Restaurant, Orange  

Katz’s Deli Woodbridge            

Bear & Grill, Orange                 

China Pavilion, Orange           

NuVita, Orange                       

TGI Friday                                  

Texas Roadhouse,  West Haven    

Country Corner Diner              

Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, Naugatuck       1 LG pie

Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, Naugatuck       1 LG pie

Grand Pizza, Bethany/Cheshire    

Julia’s Bakery      7” decorated cake any

Oliver’s Supermarket, Prospect     

VideoLab DVD Transfer/copy 

Henry’s Garage, Bethany      2 X    Oil Change

Kut Rite, Seymour, wash, cut, blowdry

Freezer Hill, Bethany         3 yd Topsoil ($75)

Freezer Hill, Bethany         3 yd Mulch   ($100)

Knight’s Inc, Orange         

R&M Contractors  1 cord of Wood

R&M Contractors  free painting 12x12 room

Georgina’s Hair Studio                

Woodbridge Running Company    

One night stay at Marnick’s Motel, Stratford  X2

Best Friends two-Night pampered boarding ($100)

Southern CT Chiropractor Dr. S. Rocchio (275)

Naugatuck Family Chiropractic Dr. G. Rocchio ($275)

Dunkin Donuts, 2lb coffee 2 mugs

Kaoud Oriental Rugs, Orange 3X5’ Rug   ($600)

Custom Made diamond Heart shaped necklace ($1,850)

Mesa Construction Gift Basket treats 

Locket’s Meadow Riding lessons

Bethany Body Works Basket and GS

Amity Wine and Liquor  Case of Wine

Restopedic – Mattress set

Dynex 24” LCD TV/DVD combo

Material Girls Gift basket with jewelry

Bobby Fantarella Hot Roc Discounted DJ Service

For information, call Izzy at 203-393-0514, or Jo at 203-314-5293.