Fundraiser to benefit Capt. Joey Burnsed on Nov. 19
On Sept. 14, fishing guide Captain Joey Burnsed suffered a terrible accident on Captiva that left him with two severe brain injuries, a cracked skull, a fractured pelvis and paralysis in his left arm.
“He is recovering remarkably and the doctors tell us that he’s doing so well because he’s young and strong,” said Dall Burnsed, Joey’s aunt. “He’s recovering at home now and going through physical and speech therapy, and the doctors are hoping and encouraging the family that Joey will make a full recovery, but it might take a year to a year and a half. Until then, Joey can’t work — he’s a fishing guide, and you need both hands to do that job. We’re throwing this benefit to help Joey with living expenses while he’s unable to work.”
The Nov. 19 fundraiser will cost $15 to attend — which covers the cost food — and there will be a silent auction and raffle.
“We are looking for anyone who would like to donate something for the silent auction. Everything we earn from the silent auction will go into Joey’s trust account to help sustain him throughout his recovery,” Dall said, noting that people can also contribute directly to Joey’s trust at Bank of the Islands.
Before Joey’s accident, he was supporting not only himself, but a son, a step-daughter and his father, who is disabled and can no longer work.
“Our families have been on the islands for 30 years and we’re all fishing guides. Joey is a great guy. Everybody loves him — he’s so kind-hearted,” Dall said.
And in true island fashion, Dall said, the communities of Captiva and Sanibel are already coming to the aid of the Burnsed family.
“The island community is one in a million. The people of the island pull together so much for each other. I’ve seen it happen so many times in so many ways over the years, and already we’ve already had an outpouring of people donating to his trust account and businesses donating gift certificates,” Dall said.
Dall is still looking for items for the fundraiser’s silent auction.
If you have an item that you would like to donate and if you want more information on Capt. Joey, contact Dall Burnsed at dallb@comcast.net‘>dallb@comcast.net.