GIBSONBURG, OH (Toledo News Now) –
It’s a fundraiser with a purpose, ‘Parker’s Purpose.’
Four hundred people jammed into Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed in Gibsonburg on Friday night for dinner and to bid on auction items.
Even college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin of The Ohio State University, came because this is a cause with a purpose.
“And I got that from Woody Hayes. Woody always talks about paying it forward, doing things to help others. That’s exactly what the folks are doing here,” said Mr. Griffin.
Others helped Parker Inks after he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
He wanted to give back and help others in return.
That’s why the foundation ‘Parker’s Purpose’ was formed.
Money raised here and at other events will be donated to area families with children who have life altering illnesses or disabilities.
In the last seven years, $150,000 has been raised.
“It’s like cloud nine. It’s the best possible feeling that you can get. Knowing you made a difference in hundreds, even thousands of lives,” said Parker, who is sixteen-years-old and a student at Fremont St. Joseph.
He has a motto in life: Worry about the things you can do and not the things you can’t.
“I can’t run, jump, climb. But I do find things that I can do,” said Parker.
And Parker has purpose in his life too.
He plans to go to college and study to be an animator.