Talent Fundraiser to Benefit Kittanning Crash Victim
Kittanning’s Matthew Klingensmith is currently suffering from head trauma in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital due to a car accident the morning of September 20. His family and Radioactive Events Center in downtown Kittanning have teamed up for a fundraising effort tomorrow night. (submitted photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
A Kittanning man that suffered head injuries after a car crash September 20 will receive support from family and friends during a benefit fundraiser Saturday.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Matthew Klingensmith, 21, was traveling east on Route 422 in Manor Township about 3AM when he left the roadway during a curve and crashed into a steel beam.
Klingensmith was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and is still a patient, but has received well-wishes from the community. A local non-profit business has even suggested a talent show fundraiser this weekend.
Radioactive Events Center Club Owner Mark Gibson saw the news about Klingensmith’s car accident on Facebook. Club DJ, and Gibson’s daughter, Allie went to school with Klingensmith – who graduated from Ford City High and Lenape Technical School in 2014.
“When we first opened the club, Matthew was one of the first kids that sang in our very first talent show,” Gibson said. “It was really his first time performing on a stage like that, and we got to be very good friends. He’s a good kid.
“Those early talent shows were to benefit Orphans of the Storm and the Salvation Army, things like that, and Matt was right there to help us, giving his talent. This seemed fitting that we would do something in tern to help him.”
Gibson expected nearly a dozen performers tomorrow night.
“The response has been very, very positive – some kids that don’t even know Matt heard the story (and) are volunteering to come out and help,” Gibson said. “It’s wonderful.”
Klingensmith’s brother, Chris, and sister-in-law, Tabitha, are also impressed by the turnout expected.
“I never realized how strong social media can be,” Tabitha said. “We’re just trying to figure out the best way to help with everything.”
Chris said his brother – who worked in landscaping and was Chris’ best man three months earlier - received the musical gifts in the family. Matthew writes his own rap lyrics to music.
The family found out Matthew crashed his Kia Forte about 90 minutes after the crash from responding State troopers. After being flown to the hospital, Chris, Tabitha and their four children have visited nearly every day since.
Chris and Tabitha are unsure what happened the night of the accident, but knew he was coming home from a friend’s house in Adrian. The married couple will be selling T-shirts for $15 tomorrow night.
Matthew is expected to be transferred to UPMC Mercy soon for rehabilitation.
The doors for the talent show Saturday open at 7PM. Half of the $10 admission charge will also go toward Klingensmith’s healthcare expenses.
Local News | jweaver October 2, 2015
