A lot of love going into Abby's fence
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August 12, 2013 |
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| Terry
Becker (kneeling with the drill) has not
lacked eager support from volunteers as
he gives his time to lead the project to
build Abby's fence. The rest of these
culprits, volunteers all, are only a
small sampling of all those who have
given time and resources to help provide a child a safe place to
play. |
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On June 15, two tough teams of amazing men and
women met on the gridiron at Bonners Ferry High
School and waged a hard-fought battle before a
generous crowd. No one who played really cares
to remember the score, but none has forgotten
who won -- seven year old Abby Bliss and her
family.
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(l-r) Bridget Bliss,
James Solum, U.S Customs and Border
Patrol, Abby, and Jack and Amy Bliss. |
The second annual U.S. Customs vs. U.S. Border
Patrol charity flag football game that day,
sponsored by the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club, was
a pitched battle, with players on both sides
giving their all for the cause.
What makes it even more special is that the game
was only a prelude still underway, except now
many of the players on the field who faced off,
as well as local Rotarians and more, are working
on the same team.
Abby, who has severe autism, has long been
limited in time she could play outside. Living
on Highway 95 near Naples, the proximity of the
highway and its speeding cars kept Abby inside
unless someone in the family, most often her
parents, Jack and Amy, were there to keep a
close eye to ensure that she stayed safe.
A thing as simple as a fence could give Abby a
measure of freedom to explore her yard in
safety. That gridiron battle in June raised
around $1,200, and the attention of a community
that takes pride in taking care of its own.
Builder Terry Becker stepped forward to offer
his expertise to ensure the fence was designed
and built to meet the family's needs.
Over two days, the post and beam framework was
set securely in place.
Welco Mill, Naples, donated the fence boards to
create a safe haven for Abby, already stained.
By day two of construction, Abby has a front
yard she can play safely in. In one more day, to
be finished soon, the backyard of the Bliss home
will be fenced, and Abby can run and play safely,
and her family not be so worried. |
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