KEWANEE — Blue was the color of the day Tuesday as students, teachers, businesses and community groups across Henry County showed their support for Ella Berry.
Ella is a 16-year-old Wethersfield High School sophomore who remains hospitalized after being airlifted Sunday with a life-threatening medical condition.
As word of Ella’s condition spread, schools throughout the area joined the “Blue for Ella” campaign. Students and staff in districts including Wethersfield, Kewanee, Annawan, Galva, AlWood and many others wore blue and shared messages of encouragement for Ella and support for the Berry family on social media.
Local businesses also joined the effort. Amber Patch-Troxell’s Farmers Insurance office posted photos of employees wearing blue to social media. The business is also raffling off a designer handbag, with proceeds going to the Berry family.
The Kewanee Community Choir showed its support by wearing blue during a recent practice. Ella’s grandfather, Mike Berry, publisher of The Kewanee Voice, is a member of the choir.
Groups have also organized several fundraisers to help the Berry family, such as the Visitation Catholic School community which launched a fundraiser, organized by Amy Duru, to collect donations to provide food and fuel gift cards for the family.
The Kewanee High School Key Club raised more than $1,000 during Tuesday night’s volleyball match by collecting spare change donations from attendees.
In addition, the Welgat family is organizing a bake sale from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Good’s parking lot, with proceeds benefiting the Berry family.
Mike Berry said Ella is receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
“We are overwhelmed at how much our community has rallied around Ella,” he said.
Donations continue to arrive from individuals, organizations and fundraising efforts throughout the county.
Those wishing to support the Visitation fundraiser can send donations through Venmo @Amy-Duru, drop off cash at the Visitation Catholic School office or donate restaurant or gas gift cards at the school office.
