Schools

Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Teen Hurt in Hit and Run Crash

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is still looking for the motorist who struck 16-year-old Palm Desert High School junior Grant Virgin, leaving him critically injured, on Sept. 10.

The Old Town La Quinta business district will host a Nov. 9 concert to raise money for a Palm Desert teenager critically injured in a hit-and-run crash.

The 5:30 p.m. concert by local band R Buckle Road on the event lawn in Old Town will benefit 16-year-old Palm Desert High School junior Grant Virgin, who was struck by a car at Deep Canyon Road and Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert on Sept. 10 while walking to a friend's house.

"We look forward to playing a role in Grant's recovery, but more importantly, we welcome the support of our giving community," said Greg Vincent, a member of R Buckle Road.

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The teen, who suffered multiple fractures, a brain injury and a torn aorta, is expected to be transferred from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance to Children's Hospital Los Angeles in two weeks to begin rehabilitation, according to his mother.

All money raised at the concert will go to Grant's family, said Old Town La Quinta property manager Leslie Locken.

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People who attend the free concert will be asked to make a donation. Those who donate at least $25 will receive a $10 off voucher for The Grill on Main, Hog's Breath Inn, Solano's Bistro, The Wine Bar or Stuft Pizza in Old Town La Quinta.

Donations are also being accepted by mail. Checks made payable to the Fund for Grant Virgin can be sent to Old Town La Quinta, 78010 Main St., Suite 201, La Quinta, CA 92253.

The teen's mother, JJ Virgin, said her family has received support not only from friends but from people they've never met.

"We have received prayers from all over the world, Facebook and Twitter posts, cards, food, flowers and gifts for Grant," she said. "I tell him every day how much of a warrior he is and how many people are behind him, and I know this has a huge impact on his healing."

She said on her Facebook page Monday that Grant has his casts off and will be able to start walking in about 10 days.

"He is talking a lot of gibberish but can follow commands and answer yes or no or say simple things," she wrote.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is still looking for the motorist who struck the boy. The vehicle was described as a white, early-2000s two-door compact car. The driver was described as a Hispanic woman about 30 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, with black shoulder- length hair.

For information on the benefit concert, call Locken at (760) 777-1770, or go to the Grant Virgin Benefit Event page on Facebook.


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