Mouse race fundraiser set up for UAW 2250 member critically injured in auto accident

Event will be held Jan. 22

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

A Jan. 22 mouse race fundraiser has been set up to benefit a UAW Local 2250 member and his family while he continues to recover in the hospital after a horrific auto accident on Nov. 17.

Travis Huck, a journeyman electrician just days away from becoming permanent at the GM Wentzville Assembly Plant, sustained two broken legs, crushed heels and a back injury. After two surgeries, he is still hospitalized undergoing physical therapy.

NO INSURANCE, SICK LEAVE
“The couple just had their third child weeks ago, and this accident couldn’t have happened at a worse time,” said Shawn Kohrs, UAW Local 2250 vice president. “Plus, Travis was only days away from becoming permanent at GM. This means he has no insurance coverage or paid sick leave.”

The fundraiser, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Local 2250 union hall at 1395 E. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville. It will include a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, food and drinks. Tickets are $15 a person or $25 per couple.

Shortly after the accident, Kohrs reached out to Huck’s significant other, Katelyn Otey, and his mother, Paula, to see how UAW 2250 could help. Kohrs also visited Huck in the hospital Dec. 8 and brought him dinner. Kohrs said Huck was in severe pain, but in good spirits.

FOREVER GRATEFUL
“Words can’t express how much everyone’s courtesy truly means to me,” Huck wrote on Facebook. “It’s not every day you meet people that are willing to do what you have done. I can say without a doubt the 2250 organization and members will forever be considered as family to me. I’m forever grateful.”

Kohrs said there were several collections at the plant for Huck before it closed for the holiday break. Family members and friends have also set up a GoFundMe account, a cash app and a Facebook fundraiser to help the family with expenses.

“Be thankful for what you have because anything could happen,” Kohrs said. “I want to do whatever it takes to help our brother during this time. I keep thinking about how difficult it must be with two kiddos and baby at home and Travis stuck in a hospital bed for who knows how long.”

TO HELP NOW
To contribute to the family, visit gofundme.com/f/support-for-travis-and-katelyn or facebook.com/donate/87483186606840/874084566606702.

EVENT TICKETS

For tickets to the Jan. 22 event or to donate items for the silent raffle, call Kohrs at 314-322-0962 or email him at shawnkohrs@hotmail.com.