First disturbance more than a month before official start of 2024 Atlantic Hurricane SeasonPainting rain barrels for a good cause
JJ Gerhart fundraiser and celebration after rattlesnake bite. (CREDIT: WINK News) A celebration and fundraiser in Cape Coral on Saturday after JJ Gerhart was bitten by a rattlesnake in April. He needed blood transfusions, surgeries, and dozens of vials of anti-venom. But today, everyone is here to honor and celebrate JJ and the entire Gerhart family. The event is also to raise money for JJ’s medical bills. They had raffles and a silent auction to raise funds for the family. WINK News was told by Jessica Gerhart, JJ’s mother, that it took about two weeks to put this event together. Saturday’s fundraiser in Lee County was a partnership between the Burnt Store Animal Hospital which is where Jessica works and two bars in Cape Coral. Jessica says she feels overwhelmed with all the love and support from the community. “It feels good for the community, people we know, people we don’t know, to just kind of get together and celebrate him, and just support us and be here,” Jessica says. “We are so grateful. And like I said, just overwhelmed. I mean, it’s been amazing. It’s been amazing.” JJ spoke with WINK News and says he feels great. He began physical therapy about two weeks ago and says it’s going well.