Moe's Southwest Grill Hosts Fundraiser for Scott Scarvelli

Burritos, tacos and nachos were big in Avon on Saturday as hosted a fundraiser for the family of Scott Scarvelli, an freshman who was paralyzed in a motocross accident in Lorain in February.

Stefanie Buckholz, an intervention specialist at , helped organize the event. She said that the Scarvellis, who have fostered several children over the years, are a special family.

"They have an amazing, positive outlook," she said. "I didn't think twice about doing this."

Scott wrecked his bike while riding at RamJam Sportsplex in Lorain on Feb. 13. He was taken by helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. He injured his T5 and T6 thoracic vertabrae and is paralyzed from the chest down.

But that's not the last word for Scott or his family -- parents Tim and Sheri, and brother Grant. This is just the beginning of their fight.

The next chapter begins Thursday, when Scott comes home for good from MetroHealth. The family home needs some updates to accomodate Scott, especially the bathroom so he can take care of himself as much as possible.

Scott will also soon be heading back to school. He's been tutored at the hospital since his accident, and plans to keep his spot on the .

Many of Scott's schoolmates showed up at the event, where a portion of sales were being donated to the Scarvellis.

"He's a great guy," said Shaun Traine, a freshman. "He's always good to everyone and never has anything bad to say."

Shaun's dad, Jeff, was touched and impressed by Scott after talking with him Saturday.

"He's a great kid," Jeff Traine said. "It made my day to see him out."

Eventually, the family hopes to get Scott in at Sci-Step, a rehabilitation program near Cincinnati recommended by others in the motocross community. The facility, Tim Scarvelli said, has state-of-the-art equipment designed to keep muscles strong instead of atrophying, allowing for more progress. But it's not covered by insurance.

Andrea Graham, owner of Moe's, hoped to have final figures for the fundraiser on Monday. She said she was glad to help out.

"I have a son about that age," she said. "As a mom, it's something that gets to you."

The support from the community has meant a great deal to the Scarvellis, Sheri Scarvelli said, from fundraisers like this to little things like the parents of 10-year-old Grant's friends making sure he stays involved in his own activities.

"(Avon's) just been awesome," said Tim Scarvelli.

Another is set for May 14 at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. To make a donation to the Scarvelli family, go to any bank.