By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The telephones at Chick-fil-A in Gardendale were reportedly bogged down all day Wednesday, but it wasn’t because of a problem with the phone lines.

It was well-wishers calling the store to see if a fund-raiser held there on Tuesday was successful.

“Successful” would be a gross understatement.

“It was the biggest fund-raiser we’ve ever done,” said Jan Holmes, who co-owns the store along with her husband Mike Holmes.

The fund-raising event was held to raise money for Brad Wright of Mt. Olive, who was seriously injured in a car accident more than two years ago. He is still in a comatose state.

Glen Scogin and Rhonda DeLoach worked with Chick-fil-A to set up the Spirit Day on Tuesday to raise money for an exercise machine that Wright needs.

The Motomed Viva 2 will help Wright in several ways, including cutting down on urinary tract infections, blood clots, bowel infections and respiratory problems.

But insurance would not cover the machine, which is made in Germany, and it costs almost $5,500 including all the parts and shipping.

“We’re there and beyond,” said Wright’s mother Debbie Harmon about raising the money. The Spirit Day “pushed us over the top.”

Combining proceeds from Spirit Day with private donations to the family, Wright’s stepfather Jeff Harmon ordered the exercise equipment on Wednesday. Debbie Harmon said it should arrive in three weeks.

“I’m just thrilled at how many people showed up (for the fund-raiser),” said Debbie Harmon. “Brad’s loved a lot. People around this area just want to help.”

At the Chick-fil-A event, the restaurant donated 20 percent of customers’ purchases to the fund-raiser if they mentioned Wright’s name when ordering on Tuesday.

The 20 percent totaled $1,070. More funds were raised during a spinning-wheel game and direct donations to Chick-fil-A and Wright’s family who were present.

“I was taken aback” with the response, said Holmes. “With the economy, things aren’t great, but people just showed up.”

Wright was released from a four-week hospital stay on Friday after suffering with pneumonia, according to Debbie Harmon.

Doctors also found that Wright has fluid on his brain. They are considering putting in a shunt to drain the fluid.

“We hope he comes farther out of the comatose state that he’s in,” said Harmon.

There is a Brad Wright Special Assistance Fund set up at any Wachovia Bank. Anyone may make donations to the fund in order help the family with ongoing medical expenses.

For more information about Wright, visit the Web site where the family posts updates: www.bradwright21.com.