When Julie Harbert helped set up a “Christmas in July” fundraiser at Bridgeport Physical Therapy, she knew it was for a good cause. After all, few would argue providing funds for a trio of city youngsters battling health issues is a bad thing.

 

What Harbert did not know is that when she decided to do something different with one of the most giving businesses in the area, it would reap big results. This time, Harbert publicized it locally through Connect-Bridgeport.

 

A story prior to the event talked about the three young adults that the funds would go to. Recent Bridgeport High School graduates Dalton Elliott and Sami Wilson along with senior-to-be Carli Espinoza were going to be the recipients of whatever money staff donated or patients who contributed to the jar placed in the lobby.

 

“We were hoping to get $500 or $600 to split between them,” said Harbert. “Things ended up going better than expected. Actually, things went fantastic.”

 

Harbert said along with staff and client donations, something else happened. People in the community showed up.

 

“We had a few people from the community drop off $100 bills and we had several show up and write checks,” said Harbert. “What was really nice were little notes that said things like “God bless these children.’ That lone made it worthwhile.”

 

When the day ended, Harbert knew it was going to be a good total. She said, along with the business opting to match the employees’ donation, she was hoping it would be more than $1,000.

 

“I checked the envelope for the staff donations and the community donations,” said Harbert. “Both were full of money.”

 

And the total?

 

“It came it at more than $1,100,” said Harbert. “We hope it helps these kids as they battle to get themselves better.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows staff posing in their Christmas best during the July event, while bottom photo shows Bridgeport Physical Therapy founder Mike Martin talking to staff. Photos by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography.