HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Waukesha isn’t the only community pulling together for Jackson Sparks.
He was the only child who died in the Waukesha Christmas Parade, and the response can be felt here at home.
From Waukesha,
“Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, we know that this is one of the most difficult times in your life, but there’s a whole nation out here that’s pulling for your family.”
To Northeast Wisconsin. “Jerseys for Jackson” gained wide support.
“I want to thank every single person that clicked “share.” I’m just a guy that had an idea. You all believed in it.”
Todd Ahrens is the creator of Waukesha’s Jerseys for Jackson, and from a local bar to your area dog groomer, Southeast Wisconsin saw plenty of people wearing jerseys to honor 8-year-old Jackson Sparks.
“I thought we needed to do something here at the supper club tonight.”
Jeri Juyette is one of the owners at Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville. She says the employees and patrons walking through the doors sporting jerseys started with a Facebook post.
But the support is more than symbolic.
“For every staff member, we’re donating $10. So that’s $330 right off the bat,” Guyette said.
The statewide Jersey for Jackson events come after an SUV plowed through Waukesha’s Christmas parade. Alleged driver Darrell Brooks is facing six intentional homicide charges for the crime that killed six and injured at least 60.
Back in Hortonville, though, Guyette says whether she knows the family or not,
“It doesn’t matter. We need to help out in this time of need. Yes, restaurants are struggling, but at this time, I would rather give my money to a family that needs it a lot worse than I do right now,” she said.
Because it’s more than Waukesha hoping to heal.
As for Darrell Brooks, he’s due back in court for a hearing in January.
