Community rallies to help teen, family
SANDPOINT — Carson Bankson is your typical country kid.
He loves fishing, camping and the outdoors. In the winter, you were more than likely to find him hitting the slopes.
A senior at Sandpoint High School, Carson had picked up a shift at Sweet Lou's where he worked before heading to visit his girlfriend. Exhausted from the day, the teen was in an accident on his way home and was critically injured.
Now, a benefit is planned to support Carson and his family as he recovers from the life-altering car accident.
The family's friends and supporters are hosting the Carson Bankson Benefit on Saturday, March 22, to raise funds to support the cost of rehabilitation and recovery for Carson. The benefit will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds beginning at 3:30 p.m. and will include dinner, live and silent auctions, a live band and a no-host bar.
Bankson, 18, suffered critical injuries in the Dec. 11, 2024, when, after leaving the road, his vehicle hit two trees, causing significant damage on the driver’s side of the vehicle, according to a website for the benefit.
Crash detection on Carson's phone alerted emergency services that the crash had occurred, sending Bonner County EMS quickly to the scene where they performed life-saving actions. Bankson was admitted into Bonner General Health before being transferred to Sacred Heart Hospital, where he spent 15 days in the ICU. During his stay in Spokane, Bankson underwent three surgeries — two to repair his femur, one to install a bolt to release the pressure in his head.
On Christmas Eve, one of his last days at Sacred Heart, Bankson was awake and alert. He was able to move his hands, but unable to open his eyes or react to light. He was then transferred to North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital where he stayed for 20 days as he continued his recovery, benefit officials said.
On Jan. 14, Bankson was transported to Denver, Colo. Upon arriving in Denver, Bankson suffered from severe sinus issues stemming from holes in his sinuses that caused cerebral spinal fluid leakage, officials said. Invasive surgery took place to repair the damage. Bankson is currently a part of a 60-day recovery from the surgery. It is undetermined what his next steps will be after completing the 60 days.
The benefit will take place at the Bonner County fairgrounds. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Individual tickets can be purchased through Venmo or at Carpet One in Ponderay for $20 and includes dinner. Tickets for children under six are donations only. Additional donations can be made through Venmo.
There are several business options available for those wanting to provide further support. Tables of eight can be purchased for $1,000 and include dinner, a bucket of beers and dessert. Individuals can also participate in T-shirt sponsorships for $100. This includes a company logo on the back of a T-shirt and a spot to hang a banner at the benefit.
Information: carsonsbenefit.com
Carson Bankson with mom, Deniya Bankson.
QR code to purchase tickets and make donations for the Carson Bankson Banquet.