Featured image: Savannah Willingham, Plainview High School, Class of 2016

By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— In the face of a tragic accident, the Rainsville community and Dekalb County citizens have rallied around Plainview High School senior Savannah Willingham. Savannah’s life was changed on March 2, when she lost her ability to walk as the result of a wreck. She’s currently recovering at Shepherd’s Hospital in Atlanta, and while away from home, home has stepped up for her in a big way.

Since the accident, local organizers have scheduled events to help raise funds. The funds will be used to provide Savannah with a suitable, handicapped accessible apartment. Rehabilitation and care will also be costly, and new procedures may become available in the future to help Savannah regain her ability to walk. Here’s a list of events and ways you can get involved:

Wiffle for Savannah Willingham Tournament

A wiffle ball tournament will be held on Sunday, April 17, at the Field of Dreams in Rainsville beginning at 1 p.m. You can register a team by contacting Cody Coots at (256)899-3106 or visit http://www.fieldofnightmares.weebly.com. Deadline to register is April 13 and the registration fee is $40 per team. Each team consists of a maximum 4 persons with a fifth person as a batter only. In addition to selling chances at the tournament, we will also have a bake sale, blow up houses for the kids, and much more going on that day.

Nick Saban autographed football raffle

We are selling chances to win an authentic Nick Saban autographed football. The drawing will be held on Sunday, April 17 at the Wiffle for Savannah Willingham tournament. Chances are $5 each or 5 chances for $20. You do not have to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at the Wiffle Ball Tournament, or by calling Laura at (256)899-9899.

Redbasket.org

Red Basket is an online charity organization that has told Savannah’s story and has it featured on their website. ALL contributions made through redbasket.org are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for your donation. If you are a Woodmen Insurance policy holder and you create an account, Woodmen Insurance will match your donation of at least $25, with an additional $25 gift. Savannah will receive 100 percent of the proceeds of her Red Basket account. This will help fund the building of a suitable, handicap accessible apartment for Savannah. Our goal is $10,000, so we need your help!

“Savannah’s Peek” T-shirts

T-shirts supporting Savannah can be purchased by contacting McKinna Clifton at mckinna.clifton@gmail.com. Shirts are $15 each, sizes Small - 2XL (Add $2 for 2XL).

Rainsville Freedom Fest 5k & 10k Run

To be held on Saturday, June 18 beginning at 8 a.m. To register, visit www.rainsvillefreedomfest.racesonline.com. For more information about the run, contact Jerry Clifton at (256) 717-5650.

Savannah’s friends and family would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Through prayers, support, and contributions the community can make this difficult time easier for those involved.