The final “It’s Thursday” concert of the season at the Brooks Bandshell in Antioch turned into a community-spirited event with a common goal of aiding a child. The sound of a live band and the smell of burgers and bratwursts being grilled set the scene for local businesses and residents coming together to sponsor a “Help For Huntley” fundraiser.
All proceeds from the event are going toward expenses incurred by Huntley Daniels, the 10-year old who was thrown from a carnival ride during the Taste of Summer festival in Antioch last month. The Thursday event was organized by Robert Pohlman, the boy’s uncle, as well as the village and the local business community.
“The business community in Antioch came together for Huntley, who was hurt at one of our events,” said Heather Fenzel, owner of Heirloom Antiques. “So we decided as a business community to come together, raise some money and do some good. We are Antioch, the small community with a big heart.”
Kris Schoenberger, owner of Station 51 Truck Company Bar and Grill, added, “All the restaurants came together. It’s a one-unit line with someone cooking burgers, another doing bratwursts…it shows that as one strong front, we can do some powerful things.
“With everyone on the same page, there’s a magic happening back there by the grills.”
The other magic happened on the stage with Mike & Joe, a popular rock cover band, returning to provide the music. There was dancing amid the lawn chairs, and an overall good festival vibe.
“I am moved by the overwhelming support the Antioch community has shown for Huntley and his family,” said Mayor Scott Gartner. “Together, we stand strong, and committed to providing him assistance. This event is a testament to the strength of our community bonds.”
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There were raffles and plenty of family-friendly activities, plus an area where cards and notes were written to be collected for sharing with Huntley and his family.
Pohlman has set up a GoFundMe page for Huntley that has raised $47,000 of a $75,000 goal so far.
“Watching the members of our business community come together is heartwarming and wonderful,” said Gartner. “They stepped up to provide food, beer, raffles and a whole lot of fun.”
The boy was injured on a carnival ride called Moby Dick when a safety bar gave way and he was tossed an estimated 20 feet through the air, landing on concrete. He had jaw, facial, and leg injuries and was airlifted to Park Ridge’s Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition, though that improved to stable the following day.
He was later transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and is currently recovering at home.
The ride was impounded by the Antioch Police Department several days later and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Illinois Department of Labor is also conducting its own investigation. All Around Amusements of Lockport, Inc. owns and operates the spinning ride.
A representative at the Lockport company’s office said, “(We have) no comment at this time.”