Chick-fil-A To Host Fundraisers For Ireland Nugent

Palm Harbor 2-year-old Ireland Nugent was expected to undergo skin graft surgery recently.

The spunky toddler has undergone multiple surgeries after her ankles were severed when she was accidentally run over by a lawn mower on April 10. 

On Tuesday, April 23, doctors had to remove a skin graft that did not take on her right leg. Ireland recovered quickly, as a video from her Facebook page shows (see video). During this weekend's surgery, doctors will replace the skin graft that was removed.

"While it is disappointing that she is not going home this week, we are still so very thankful for the care she is receiving and all the love and support that you are giving. Blessings to you all," wrote the Nugent family's pastor, Rev. Dr. Dennis Reid of Clearwater's Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater. Reid created the "Ireland Nugent Support Page" on Facebook, so Ireland's many well wishers could keep up with her progress.

People Around the World Care About Ireland

Ireland and her family have received donations from around the world through a special donation link on the Trinity Presbyterian Church website. Donations have come from Bermuda, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

The Nugent family has been receiving plenty of support in Palm Harbor, too. Neighbors recently pitched in to give the family's yard a makeover (read the story).  

A fundraising effort is also underway on EBay where anyone can pay $10 to have a flower planted in the Nugent's yard. The money will also be donated to the family (learn more). 

"I would really love to surprise them with a beautiful yard full of flowers and let them know that each flower is represents the love and support for Ireland and of course present them with a great check from the Flower fundraiser. I know this money will go a long way to help off set some of the medical expenses," said the Nugent's next door neighbor, Cameron Smith, who organized the Nugent's yard makeover and the Ebay fundraiser.

Smith says plans are in the works to remodel the family's home and he's also looking for a company who might be interested in remodeling the family's pool.

On April 27 a golf tournament was held at East Lake's Tarpon Woods Golf Club to benefit the charity 50 Legs which will provide Ireland with prosthetics for the rest of her life.

And on May 8, local Chick-fil-A restaurants will hold a fundraiser for Ireland. An estimated 15 to 20 percent of the restaurant's sales will be donated to the family.

To participate, you just need to write "Ireland" on the receipt you receive when you make the purchase and then give the receipt back to the cashier.

"I received a prayer request from someone on Facebook and I started thinking how can I help the family after the prayers," said Kelli Snow, who thought of the idea for a fundraiser. Snow is the director and vice president of World of Faith Church in Palm Harbor and is also marketing director of the Palm Harbor Chick-fil-A.

These Chick-fil-A restaurants will be participating in the fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 8:

• The Clearwater Chick-fil-A restaurant at 26145 U.S. 19 (at Enterprise Road)
• The Clearwater Chick-fil-A restaurant at 2516 Gulf to Bay Boulevard
• The Palm Harbor Chick-fil-A is located at 32800 U.S. 19.

Keep up with Ireland's progress and leave messages for her on a Facebook page that her church created: "Ireland Nugent Support Page"

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