Gabe’s Gifts is an event for local youth
The Shepherdstown community will honor the life of Gabe Bauserman during the Gabe’s Gifts ‘Family Fun and Adventure Fundraiser,’ being held this Saturday, June 20 at Morgan’s Grove Park.
Following the unexpected loss of her son in a cycling-related accident last year, Maura Bauserman is working to honor his spirit through charity.
The first ever Gabe’s Gifts event, speaks to Gabe’s love for adventure and is being held to benefit local youth.
Bauserman explained that an Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation Memorial fund was established in Gabe’s honor after his passing.
Through the fund the Bauserman’s will provide scholarship opportunities for local area youth seeking assistance with things like educational costs or fees for recreational learning programs, like summer STEM camps and coding camps.
“These are life skills that you can learn in summer camps,” Bauserman said.
“We want to fill a niche in the scholarship realm.”
Gabe’s Memorial fund will also award scholarships not only for traditional four-year college, but also for students interested in going to trade schools or technical schools, she explained.
“Not every child fits a traditional path.”
As Gabe was a member of the Jefferson High School ROTC and looking forward to one day joining a branch of the military, ROTC scholarships are also being made available through the fund.
“He was heart set on serving,” Bauserman said.
A “legacy scholarship,” is being established with Morgan Academy, as Gabe attended school there as a child, as well as private scholarships for at-risk youth programs.
Bauserman said Saturday’s event is meant to offer something fun to every member of the family.
Scheduled activities include: a climbing wall, knockerball, and a gaming truck in the Adventure Park, as well as a petting zoo, live entertainment and various children’s activities in the Fun Park and a ‘Thriller BMX’ show just down the street at Asbury Methodist Church parking lot, among many other events.
Raffles will be held throughout the day and Bauserman encourages anyone to stroll over to the event for a chance to donate and win prizes.
“There really is something for literally everyone,” she said.
Food and live musical performances will also make for a fun day of activity. Activities vary in accessibility for small children, though children age three and under will be admitted for free.
Informaiton on the memorial fund can be found here: www.ewvcf.org/.
The event is being held from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine.
“We’re specifically hoping to raise 20,000,” Bauserman said.
Though event wristband packages are no longer for sale, tickets for the event can be purchased day of at the park.