Schools, Church Join Fund-Raising Effort

Bill Bauman’s family, his church and West Valley schools are beginning to organize fund-raising projects to offset costs not covered by insurance.

The Bill Bauman Trust Fund at Washington Trust Bank will begin accepting donations this week, said WV teacher Lauretta Block, who set up the fund.

She also is sending letters to area schools, seeking support from the wrestling community.

West Valley athletic director Wayne McKnight said donations from the school’s annual blood drive will be credited to Bauman’s account.

“It’s not 100 percent confirmed,” he said. “What we’re pushing for is sometime in March.”

In addition, people within the WV district are going to provide meals for the family.

St. Pius Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene also is working on a fund-raiser, said Bauman’s twin brother John.

“I have a plan in my head” for a family-organized fund raiser, said John Bauman, “but nothing on board yet to make it happen.” , DataTimes