BOONTON — More than a dozen downtown businesses will come together this Friday for “A Quest for Ellie,” a First Friday fundraiser aimed at helping local child Ellie Cooper and her family purchase a wheelchair-accessible van.
The event, organized by Boonton Underground, runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Main Street. Participating retail stores, restaurants, tattoo shops, coffee shops and other businesses will host promotions, giveaways and donation opportunities throughout the evening.
Ellie was born at 26 weeks weighing less than two pounds and spent months in the neonatal intensive care unit. She now lives with complex medical conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, chronic lung disease, dysautonomia, cortical visual impairment and Kleefstra Syndrome 2, an ultra-rare genetic disorder. She relies on a wheelchair, feeding tube, oxygen, medications and specialized equipment every day, and receives care from a team of specialists, including frequent trips to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and other regional medical centers.
Every medical appointment requires careful planning for Ellie’s family, since her wheelchair, feeding pump, oxygen, emergency medications and other equipment must all travel with her. The family is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible Ford Transit van that will allow Ellie to travel safely while accommodating the equipment she depends on. Because insurance does not cover accessible vehicles or the modifications they require, the cost falls largely on the family.
Participating businesses include Artsy, Boneyard Boutique, Boonton Coffee, Catfight Coffee, Chili Willie’s Restaurant, Gemtuitive, Hollywould Studios, Imperfect Perfections, Java Smugglers, Life Center Stage, Melis Sweethouse, Rose and Ruth’s, Sinofilia Tea Shop, Speakeasy Art, Stokedville and The Tattoo Guild.
Proceeds from raffles, promotions and other fundraising activities will support Ellie’s campaign through Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit that helps families raise money for uninsured medical expenses.
“Boonton has always been a town that shows up for its neighbors,” organizers with Boonton Underground said. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate our incredible small businesses while helping one local family meet a critical need. We hope people come downtown, enjoy everything Boonton has to offer, and be part of something that can truly change Ellie’s life.”
Residents unable to attend can still support Ellie’s family through a tax-deductible donation to her Help Hope Live campaign.
Boonton Underground is a grassroots initiative that celebrates and supports Boonton’s downtown through creative events, collaboration among local businesses and experiences that strengthen the community while showcasing the unique character of Main Street.
