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Arc of the Piedmont
Organized by Kara McClurken
Bayside 100% Cotton USA Long Sleeve T-shirt
- Sizes S - XXXXL
- View Sizing Guide
About this campaign
On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the world lost some of its light. Five year old Bennett McClurken-Gibney died in Charlottesville, Virginia, held by his mommy and daddy who loved him with all their hearts. Bennett was a lover of Pokemon, Voltron, My Little Pony, and all things cute and fluffy, especially “Lucas the Spider”. He had an amazing rock collection and spent endless hours sorting them–he knew every single one by its color, shape, and size. He loved pushing Fall leaves with his wheelchair and racing down the halls of his school, Johnson Elementary. He adored his big sister as they shared snuggles, disco bath parties, racing, riddles, and Legos. He had an amazing capacity for joy (and mischief) that was infectious and far exceeded the limits of his body. Against all odds, he led a full, joyous, active life. As Bennett turned one, he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type I, a genetic disorder that causes muscular weakness. At the time of his diagnosis, few children with SMA type 1 survived past the age of two. With the loving care of his family, friends, and medical team, he was able to sing and laugh, raise his hand, race in his wheelchair, hug and snuggle and fill a room with smiles and joy. Bennett brought light and laughter to all who knew him. He blew through pre-conceived notions of disability with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was a shameless flirt, a caring friend, and an example of the amazing things people can be. Bennett made the world and all who knew him better by his boundless light.
Bennett also LOVED to PLAY. His power wheelchair gave him amazing independence. But local parks and playgrounds are not designed to allow folks in wheelchairs to easily play side-by-side with their peers. The closest park that was designed to include kids in wheelchairs is the ARC Park in Richmond, an all-abilities playground, where he could “run” around just like all the other kids. No part of that park was off limits to him or his wheelchair. We would like to create a similar park in Charlottesville in which kids, parents, and people of all abilities can gather, play, and laugh. This is a massive undertaking that will take all of us. It took a village to care for Bennett, and it will take a village to build this playground. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help us realize our dream.
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Supporters
I miss Bennett; it will be my favorite shirt.
Every child needs a safe and accessible place to play. My daughter, Lena Rae Fretwell would have loved a place like this when she was a child, but she is no longer with all the people who loved her so much. She was the perfect example of "Pure Joy!"
We want ALL children to have a place to PLAY TOGETHER in Charlottesville.
Because all kids deserve to play
Because my children get such joy from zipping around the playground, laughing with their sweet friends, just being KIDS. Every child deserves that same joy.
Bennett was full of laughter and joy and play. Bennett's Village will be his legacy. A place where all his friends, young and old, can play side by side.