Drink a Beer for Beaten Teen

The third fundraiser of the weekend is this afternoon from noon-4 p.m. at CJ's Drafthouse in Deerfield Beach

It's been over three weeks since she sent a text message that provoked a classmate to beat her into the ground at a bus stop, but Josie Lou Ratley is still on the mind of her community in Deerfied Beach and beyond. While the 15-year-old wakens from a medically induced coma, CJ's Drafthouse and others are mobilizing to help.

Two fundraisers were held yesterday, raising at least an estimated $6,000 for Ratley's long-term follow-up care. The third fundraiser of the weekend is still to come this afternoon at CJ's, a local Deerfield Beach gathering spot that also hosted a similar event for fellow Deerfield Beach Middle student Michael Brewer after he was lit on fire by classmates.

Brewer will stop by the Ratley fundraiser, which is planned for noon to 4 p.m., to thank the community for assisting his family with his own long-term medical needs. The event will also feature several fire trucks, a dunk tank, bounce house, mobile arcade, band, and raffle prizes, including a trip for two to the Bahamas -- with all proceeds benefitting the Josie Lou Ratley Fund.

"Everybody pulled together to help her out," said Chris Nettles, a co-owner of CJ's who put together the event along with Deerfield Beach Fire & Rescue. "The school is only a few minutes from us, and it really hit home."

A similar fundraiser yesterday at the West Broward Community Church in Southwest Ranches raised $5,000 with an alligator wrestling show, a grizzly bear exhibit, a bounce house, and more. A car wash held at the Living Legends Senior Center in Deerfield Beach had raised $1,000 halfway through Saturday.

On Tuesday doctors removed Ratley's ventilator, finding that she coud breathe on her own. They have also stopped administering the drugs that induced a coma, and her mother reported that the girl was able to open her eyes and move.

But "she doesn't respond to commands yet," said Hilda Ratley on the Today Show. "I don't know how she's going to turn out. I don't know and that's my biggest fear."

Ratley is insured through Medicaid, but the costs for long-term rehabilitation remain unknown. The Josie Lou Ratley Fund is a restricted account administered by Wachovia Bank that can only be used toward medical expenses or, if Ratley does not survive her injuries, funeral costs. Donations can be made at any Wachovia Branch, or online.

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