Fundraiser held for families of recent ambulance accident

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Less than 48 hours after an accident involving an ambulance colliding with two children on a bicycle, a fundraiser was held for the victims' families. One of the victims' closest friends, Payton Padgett, said their presence brightened her day. "They just meant everything to everyone", Padgett said. "They were so sweet to everyone. Especially for me, I have really bad anxiety, and they helped me get through that at school. They made me laugh every time I was upset." Thursday evening, in the parking lot of Baesler's Market, residents could donate and in return receive a car wash and a meal. One organizer of the event, Amy Cotten, said all the money raised will be given to the victims' families. "They've got an unexpected expense, nobody plans for this", Cotten said. "A lot of people in our close-knit group of family and friends have really come together and put together a lot of good ideas to help offset the tragedy that they're going through." Michael Poulter, the father of the child that passed away, said the money and support means everything during this time. "This means a lot", Poulter said. "I've had so much pressure since the day that she left. Just seeing all of these people show up and care, honestly, it helps a lot today." A second fundraiser for the victims' families will take place Friday night at Imperial Lanes.