MANITOWOC – Pastor Matt Sauer led dozens of community members, who he said were "united in love, hope and faith," in a candlelight vigil for Tina and Jason Prigge July 13 at First Presbyterian Church.
The couple were severely injured in a serious motorcycle crash July 6 when a vehicle swerved into the lane where the two were riding. The crash happened near the town of Cecil in Shawano County while the couple were on their way to a vacation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
According to a GoFundMe page created by Grow It Forward CEO Amber Daugs, Tina lost both of her limbs on her left side and remains in critical condition in a hospital Intensive Care Unit. Jason's leg was crushed and has a "long road to recovery."
"Their lives, and yes, our lives, have been changed forever by that tragic accident just one week ago," Sauer said during the vigil. "... I'm here tonight because, like you, Tina and Jason are friends of mine. People that I have shared not only laughter and love with, but also investment into this community and times where we worked side by side to help make this community an even better place."
Tina and Jason are well known for running Coolest Coast, a media effort to promote Wisconsin coastal cities, and Vagabond Creative Studio. They also donate their time to a myriad of local organizations like Grow It Forward and the Manitowoc Public Library.
Daugs, a close friend of Jason and Tina, set up the GoFundMe page soon after the crash to raise money for the couple, who are self-employed. The initial goal of $100,000 was quickly met and surpassed, with $109,000 raised by July 9.
July 15, the goal was changed to $250,000, and there was $148,525 raised by 2 p.m.
Daugs posted another update written by Jason on the GoFundMe page July 14.
"When something as life changing as this happens, we are pushed to our human limits. Our lives will never be the same," he wrote.
He described being conscious during the aftermath of the July 6 crash and how he was pinned beneath his motorcycle and unable to move.
"All I could do was look at Tina in the ditch, bleeding out, and scream how much I loved her," Jason said.
What happened next, he defined as "magic."
"People stopped and got out of their cars and started comforting me and attending to her," he wrote. "... As I look back, the thing that I remember is the kindness of the helpers. Ordinary people helping ordinary people that just entered an untenable situation."
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Daugs previously shared another statement written by Jason on the page July 11. He said he was overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown to them by the community.
He wrote: "The one last favor I ask is that you keep this kindness going. We are all in this world together and you can make a difference. Love each other, see past the petty differences of politics and worn-out stereotypes and try to see what I see, the coolest people on the planet."
On top of the donations from individuals through the GoFundMe page, area businesses have also been contributing. Digger Dave's hosted a fundraiser for the couple July 11. Two Rivers Clothing Company, Cool City Brewing and Tapped on the Lakeshore donated a portion of their sales last week. LaDeDa Books, Linda Loves Cheesecake and Harmony Cafe each have a collection jar for cash donations.
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Broken Plate Catering has promised to donate 20% of sales at the diner throughout July. Time Out Sports Bar and Grill will donate 10% of sales generated July 18, and will match all donations received up to $3,000.
Ways to donate:
- GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tina-and-jason-prigge-recover-from-a-tragic-accident
- In person: Grow It Forward, 1501 Marshall St., Manitowoc; Harmony Cafe, 921 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc; or Nicolet Bank, 860 N. Rapids Road, Manitowoc
- Send checks: To Grow It Forward, Inc., P.O. Box 562, Manitowoc, WI 54221.
If writing a check, make payable to Grow It Forward Inc. FBO Jason and Tina Prigge, and write in the memo line, Restricted in benefit of Jason and Tina Prigge.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
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