Fundraiser to Help Volunteer Get Wheelchair Lift

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A disabled man who struggles with getting around in his car needs some help to get a chair lift installed on his car. He couldn’t afford it on his own, but he’s been working hard to find ways to come up with the money.

Kent Monger is retired and he struggles to get around because of his disability. He’s had cysts along his spine and pinched nerves which make it difficult for him to walk. But he says he needs to be mobile, because he needs to be there for his kids.

Monger uses his scooter to get around here at Northeast High School in Kansas City. He loves volunteering here at the home of the Vikings, his alma mater, class of ’72. He’s been here for about a year, volunteering where ever he’s needed, but he especially loves helping in the athletics department and cheering on the kids at football and basketball games.

“The kids accept me and love me and i have the time of my life,” he says. “I could sit at home twiddle my thumbs feel sorry for myself but why should I do what when I still have something to give?”

Monger uses a cane to get in and out of his car right now and leaves his scooter at the school because he doesn’t really have a good way to bring it with him.

“I’m having problems getting in and out of the car and to do anything with this (scooter). I need to break it down put it in the trunk and find someone to put it together when I get to my destination and then find someone to take it apart and put it back in the car,” he says.

Monger says this lift would end that and make it easier for him to go where ever he wants. But with a price tag of $4,500, Monger needed help. So now a disability rights advocate is offering him that help.

Barney Mayse is a disability advocate with The Whole Person. He helped Monger apply for a couple of grants and helped him develop a fundraiser to help pay for the new lift. He’s glad to help Monger focus on what he loves, supporting his kids at Northeast.

“When you’re involved and giving back to the community, I think it’s important to help people get mobile enough to help people do that,” Mayse says.

The fundraiser for Monger takes place on Tuesday nights for the next three weeks (through November 6) at “On The Border” restaurants in the metro. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Whole Person to help Monger get his chair lift.

Print this flyer and present it at any On The Border restaurant to support the Whole Person’s benefit for Kent Monger. Or you can donate to Monger’s Chairlift Fund directly through The Whole Person here:
http://www.thewholeperson.org.