Youth donate more than $1,000 to shelter

by Terri Winder

Contributing writer

Those who know Spencer Gosney know that when he gets an idea, you either get on board or get out of the way.

For example, when Spencer was younger – younger than his current 14 years – he decided he wanted to write a “spooky” Halloweenthemed book with cats as the main characters.

He then made a Kindle publishing account, designed the cover for the book, and wrote the blurb: “This story is for you if you like mystery, suspense, cats, monsters, and awesomeness.”

Spencer’s 57-page book, Moonlight, can be purchased on Amazon, under his pen name, Spencer C. Birman. (Birman is a cat breed, also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma.” Just in case you were wondering.)

After the book was published, Spencer decided (in his own words), “It would be cool to raise $1,000 for charity by doing some sort of spooky fundraiser.”

Evidently, Spencer likes spooky things. He tossed around a few ideas, like having a Halloween carnival, but then decided to ditch the spooky theme and go with a plain ol’ raffle drawing.

He approached businesses for donations and recruited three of his friends to help. The four young men sold raffle tickets at the football game, the grocery store, and to neighbors, family, and friends.

They held the drawing last Friday and counted their proceeds, finding they have over a thousand dollars to donate to the Gentle Ironhawk women and children’s shelter, in Blanding.

Spencer would like to thank the following businesses for their donations toward the fundraiser: Naked Minky, blanket; ACE Hardware, Igloo cooler; Clark’s Market, $50 gift card; San Juan Pharmacy, $20 gift card; Cedar Mesa Pottery, pot valued at $50; Destination Awake Bakery, two dozen donuts; San Juan Theatre, two tickets with popcorn and sodas; and Blanding Flower Shop, potted Halloween-themed plant.

Spencer may like spooky things but the things he accomplishes are anything but. It will be interesting to see what he produces next.