Olympic Gymnastic Legend Olga Korbut showcases the VIPs attending a dinner and auction to benefit paralyzed gymnast Jacoby Miles Monday at the Temple Theatre in Tacoma.
Other Olympic gymnastics greats attending the benefit include 2004 All-Around Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast Carly Patterson, 1984 Olympic Team Gold Medalist Peter Vidmar and 1996 Olympic Team Gold Medalists Kerri Strug and Amanda Borden.
The event is a fundraiser for Miles’ medical and rehabilitation expenses. The Puyallup native and Ballou Junior High School student was left paralyzed from the mid-chest down after she landed on her neck on a routine dismount off the uneven/parallel bars Nov. 16. The oldest of six children, doctors say it will be a miracle if she walks again, but hopeful she can regain use of her hands.
The VIPs attending the auction include U.S. Olympians Melanie Roach (weightlifting), Bree Schaff (bobsled), Ariana Kukors (swimming), Adrienne Martelli (crew rowing), Jennie Reed, (cycling), Queen Underwood (boxing), Kelly Stephens Tysland (hockey) Georganne Moline (track) and Hollywood actor Scott Swartz.
John Curley of 97.3 KIRO FM is auctioneer for the evening and former Seahawk and ESPN commentator Brock Huard is the Emcee.
“Jacoby’s recovery is going to be a long process,” said Julie Malloy, a volunteer for the auction. “All proceeds of this auction benefit Jacoby and her family to provide the best care possible that insurance does not cover such as an ADA equipped home and vehicle, and respite care. The goal of the auction is to raise $125,000.”
According to Malloy, the lifetime cost of caring for a paraplegic is $5 million and $10 million for a quadriplegic.
The fundraising event includes a VIP Meet and Greet with Olympians at 5 p.m.
“Guests have the chance to meet with Olympians, get an autograph, their photo taken and enjoy appetizers.” Malloy said. “This is a once is a life time opportunity.”
With a capacity for 500 guests, check-in for the auction begins at 5:45 p.m. with a silent auction and then the live auction and dinner to follow at 7 pm.
Tickets are $100 each to the auction and $200 for the VIP Meet and Greet with Olympians. Tickets are available at www.goteamjacoby.com. Donations can also make on the website.
