Fundraiser to benefit wounded Marine (video)

BOYERTOWN — A local car dealership’s annual charity fundraiser will go toward Marine Lance Corporal Timothy Donley, who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan this year.

“He doesn’t want to draw attention to himself just because he is wounded,” said Mark Malizzi, a family friend and service manager at Fred Beans Ford in Boyertown.

Donley suffered the amputation of both his legs above the knee and a severe injury to his arm after he stepped on an improvised explosive device Feb. 9.

Despite his wounds, Donley still puts his comrades before himself, even while working back from such a difficult blow.

“He’s absolutely, unbelievably humbled by the help that’s been shown (to him),” Malizzi said. “(But what) he’s been very careful about is that it doesn’t come down to him, just because he happens to be home and because of what happened to his legs. He very much wants this to be about his brothers (in arms).”

As such, the 2nd annual Mustang Stampede at Fred Beans in Boyertown June 23 is not only about raising money for Donley’s recovery but about thanking U.S. servicemen.

“Our goal is to say thank you on the most personal and deepest level we can,” to all service members, Malizzi said.

At the event, a car show, which starts at 10 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m., enthusiasts can bring their Mustangs to proudly show off to community members.

Malizzi said donations and entry fees as well as a 50/50 and other such fundraisers will go toward Donley, who is now walking on prosthetic limbs.

Having known the Donleys through church, Malizzi knew what happened to Timothy during his tour of duty and decided he and his fellow members of the military should be the charity benefitted by the car show this year.

When he and Fred Beans Boyertown’s parts department manager David Rhoads decided that, he said part-owner of the dealership, Dennis Malloy, had no problem with it.

“He said, ‘You’re going to do what?’ and then he stepped aside and let us go to work,” Malizzi said.

Malizzi said Donley is “doing really, really well” in his recovery.

Obviously, Donley faces a difficult recovery, but between the faith described on the blog and the support network around him, there is no doubt he’ll be able to do what he needs to do.

“He’s amazing,” Malizzi said.
Those looking for more information or register can do so at www.trueblueracingparts.com or on the event’s Facebook page.