Rally, fundraisers planned for
Imlay City girl injured while snowmobiling
IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City community is rallying in support of 11-year-old Michaela Wolford, who was critically injured in a snowmobile accident on Saturday, Feb. 8.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 11, she remains in critical condition and in a coma at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint.
The daughter of Imlay City Police Sgt. Tim Wolford and wife, Julie, Michaela is a sixth-grader at Imlay City Middle School, where staff is available for students in need of counsel.
Police Chief Scott Pike said on Monday (Feb. 10), that Michaela’s condition is currently stable but “she will have a long hard road ahead of her.”
In the aftermath of the accident, Pike, fellow officers and countless community members are offering emotional and financial support to Michaela and the Wolford family.
“The future will surely incur large medical and personal expenses,” said Pike. “We all ask for your prayers and any support you may be able to provide at this time.”
Thursday gathering
A Meet for Michaela will be held tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m. at the Imlay City High School flagpole.
Family and friends plan to gather for prayer and show their support for the Wolford family.
Kroger hosts fundraiser
To benefit the family, a “Hot Dog Sale” fundraiser will be held at the Imlay City Kroger on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 14-16) from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For $4, supporters will receive a hot dog, drink and chips. Donations above that amount will be accepted, with all proceeds going to the family.
Donations may also be dropped off at the Imlay City Police Department on the lower level of the Lamb-Steele Building at the corner of Cedar Street (M-53) and Third Street.
Go Fund Me page
A “Go Fund Me” page has been established by the Imlay City Police Department with the goal of raising $20,000 to benefit Michaela and the Wolford family at www.gofundme.com/f/michaela-wolford
On Wednesday, Pike announced that a fund had also been set up at Security Credit Union.
Family shares gratitude
On Tuesday, Tim Wolford said their family is so thankful for the overwhelming support they’ve been shown by the community.
“I have worked in Imlay City for over 30 years and the people in this community never cease to amaze me. The city and surrounding communities pull together when people are in need,” he said.
“I am astounded at the prayers and love that you have all shown our family.”
Wolford requested that supporters to keep Michaela in their thoughts and prayers.
“We have a long road ahead of us. Her strength amazes me daily,” he concluded.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
