Benefit Planned for Woman Injured in Western Market Accident

A benefit for Mindy Reeder, the worker who lost her right arm in the Feb. 4 trash compactor accident, .

"(The benefit's goal) is to help the family and to take some of the burden away," said benefit chairwoman Meg Fouss.

The benefit is at the Radisson Kingsley Hotel, 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. It's $20 per person, payable at the door. Price includes a dinner. There will be a cash bar, DJ, dancing and a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.

Fouss said a monetary goal hasn't been discussed. She said the proceeds would go toward anything related to Reeder's recovery.

"Not just medical bills but the day-to-day until she gets on her feet," she said.

The accident happened about 8:45 a.m. Feb. 4, when Reeder attempted to push cardboard back into a compactor and the right sleeve of her hooded sweatshirt was pulled into the machine, Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan said. Both of her arms then became lodged in the machine. A co-worker, however, hit the panic button on the compactor and other Western Market employees were able to pull Reeder's arms out of the machine until emergency workers arrived.

Reeder was rushed to , Royal Oak, where doctors amputated her right arm and repaired her left arm. 

According to the benefit's release, Reeder's eyesight has also been compromised. "Mindy is strong but has a long road ahead of her," the release stated.

Steve Selvaggio, owner of , said employees are making progress, but some are still shaken up.

Selvaggio said people continue to bring cards and notes of support every day. "We take them up there twice a week and drop them off," he said.

 "We're all praying for Mindy's recovery."

"There is a tremendous amount (of) love and support out there for Mindy," the family said in an email to Ferndale Patch. "Family and friends, along with the Radisson Kingsley Hotel, have put together the benefit to help take the financial burden off Mindy and her family so they can concentrate on her recovery."

To RSVP to the benefit or if you would like to donate an item or gift certificate to the Reeder Family Benefit Silent Auction email Reederfamilybenefit@yahoo.com. You must RSVP by March 7.

View the Facebook event page for the benefit here.

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