GILLETTE, Wyo. — Cody’s Puzzle Piece Foundation will hold a fundraiser party from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Rockpile Community Center, 121 S. 4-J Road, Gilette.
The event is raising money for sensory kits for law enforcement and fire command vehicles, community education on “medical alert” for Wyoming driver’s licenses and scholarships for students who are graduating with a certificate of completion or IEP, according to a flier. The party will feature a $5 unlimited hot chocolate bar, Christmas ornament crafts, picture opportunities, a showing of the movie “The Polar Express,” a silent auction and a chili feed “with all the fixings” for $7.
Heather Martin said event organizers are very excited for the event, which is the foundation’s first. They are hoping to hold the event annually, as Christmas was Cody’s favorite holiday. The top priority is the sensory kits for law enforcement and fire command vehicles.
“We can’t do it without our community’s help,” she said.
On Oct. 17, Campbell County Health Emergency Medical Services became the inaugural recipient of sensory kits delivered by Cody’s Puzzle Piece Foundation with funding provided by Wyoming Emergency Medical Services for Children, according to CCH. The sensory kits include items like fidget toys, sunglasses, noise-canceling earmuffs, a weighted blanket and a communication card. They help people with sensory disorders to refocus, deescalate and advocate for their needs.
The foundation is named in memory of Cody Sams-Lazzaretti, who died in May 2018 following a crash on Highway 51.
Martin said the foundation is trying to collect more silent auction items. To learn more about the organization or donate a silent auction item, contact the foundation via its Facebook page, codyspuzzlepiecefoundation@gmail.com or 307-689-9062.
