Benefit set for accident victim

SANDPOINT — An early December car accident with an accused drunken driver left Sandpoint’s Chrissy Bertolucci with serious injuries and hefty medical bills.

To help offset Bertolucci’s enormous financial burden, friends and family members are planning an auction, diner and concert event set for March 21 at Hooties at the Elks.

The benefit will feature live music from the Dave Evans Band, food prepared by Jeff and Wendy Sater of Hooties and a live auction featuring an array of valuable products and services.

Bertolucci, also known by her maiden name, Chapman, has been a pillar of the community her entire life, said family friend Pat Ramsay.

“She’s always there for people and she’s always smiling. If anybody needs any help, she’s the first one to get up and get at it. She’s just a cheerful person to be around,” Ramsay said.

Since the accident, Bertolucci has undergone multiple medical procedures to repair a broken jaw and multiple fractures to her arm, leg and face. She will return to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for more surgery and to replace and repair broken and missing teeth.

Despite her circumstances, Bertolucci was initially wary of any fundraising events on her behalf, Ramsay said.

“Her first reaction was to say no, but then she realized that a lot of people feel like they’d like to do something for her and (the benefit) was one thing they could do,” Ramsay said.

Event organizers know that times are tough for many local families, but they hope residents will come out to support Bertolucci. If donating goods or money is not an option, Ramsay said organizers would love to auction donated services. For example, a plumber or electrician could donate a certain number of work hours, which would be auctioned during the event.

To donate products, money or time, contact Ramsay at 263-3950 or 290-2966.

The benefit is free and open to the public. The auction will begin at 3 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and music beginning at 8 p.m.