PANAMA CITY — A local business owner is hoping to help an employee through a tragedy and is asking the public for help.
Mike Walker wants to raise at least $6,000 for Jennifer Paul and her family with a fundraiser at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Buccaneer Motel and Restaurant, 711 W. Beach Drive.
Jennifer Paul works as a personal trainer at Walker’s gym, Mike Walker Fitness. On April 20, her husband, 35-year-old Allan Paul, was killed in a collision when a truck merged into his lane while he was driving his motorcycle.
He described Jennifer Paul as hard working, sweet and caring.
“I couldn’t imagine that tragedy happening to a nicer person,” Walker said, referring to Jennifer Paul. “She’s going to need support as reality sets in that she’s by herself.”
Walker is doing what he can to help. He has raised $4,000 for the family — Jennifer Paul and the couple’s four young children Tyler, Tice, Alison and Ashalyn — through the website youcaring.com with the goal of paying for the funeral.
Although Walker does not doubt the generosity of the community, he is trying to give people any excuse to stop by the fundraiser. Several local businesses and residents donated items to the silent auction taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be volleyball games and free stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad and a drink will be served for $5.
“A lot of people want to try paddleboarding but it’s expensive,” Walker said. “This way they can learn for free.”
How To Help
Donations to the family or to the auction can be made at Mike Walker Fitness, 806 Florida 390, Lynn Haven. To make an online donation, find a link at newsherald.com.
WANT TO GO?
-What: Jennifer Paul fundraiser
-When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday
-Where: Buccaneer Motel and Restaurant, 711 W. Beach Drive.