‘More than just our sympathies.’ Centre County nonprofits launch fundraiser for Amish family
Two leading Centre County nonprofits launched a fundraiser Monday with the hope of raising thousands of dollars for an Amish family that saw four family members die this year while farming.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County are hoping to raise $20,000 to support Esther Beiler and her six children.
Creating a page on the fundraising site GoFundMe, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau President and CEO Fritz Smith said in a written statement, felt like it was “an appropriate way to further lift up a farming family facing such a tremendous loss.”
“Our local Amish culture is a unique and important part of the fabric of Centre County’s rich agricultural heritage,” Smith said. “Our organizations’ goal in launching Happy Valley Agventures was to support our agricultural community by inviting people to enjoy what we grow, raise, produce, and craft.”
Jonathan Beiler, 16, died in March after being trapped under a piece of farming equipment at the family’s farm in Potter Township. His death was ruled accidental.
Andrew Beiler, 47, and two of his sons — Nathan Beiler, 19, and Daniel Beiler, 14 — died in September of asphyxiation due to silo gases. Their deaths were also ruled accidental.
The nonprofits, which donated $5,000 to the campaign, are the latest to offer their assistance to the family. Hundreds rallied to offer a helping hand in September.
“This unimaginable tragedy has touched the entire community,” CBICC President and CEO Greg Scott said in a written statement. “We value our Amish neighbors and wish to extend more than just our sympathies to Esther and her children in this difficult time of need.”
