The fundraiser and bake sale Chicken Express conducted to benefit car wreck victim Justin Gibson raised $3,400.

The fundraiser began April 23 to provide financial support for ACU student Justin Gibson, sophomore social work major from Gatesville, as he recovers from a scooter accident.

Steve Davis, general manager of Chicken Express, explained that Justin has worked at Chicken Express off and on for the past couple of years, and he felt moved to do something because of their relationship.

The fundraiser took place at the Chicken Express located on Judge Ely, and 10 percent of net sales were donated to Justin in order to assist with any financial strain he might feel throughout his recovery process.

“It’s not just for medical bills,” said Davis. “It’s for any need they have.”

Davis said he hopes Melissa Mason, junior psychology major from New York City and Gibson’s girlfriend, might benefit from the money raised.

In addition to 10 percent of net sales from April 23, Gibson also received money raised through the sale of baked goods made by Chicken Express employees. Davis said the employees came up with the idea to also have a bake sale so people could make a donation to benefit Gibson in exchange for baked goods.

“I was shocked when a few of our employees decided to cook brownies and sell them so that all the proceeds would go to Justin,” Davis said. “Justin touched a lot of us here.”

Davis hopes people in the community will continue to donate money. Davis is plans to keep a jar on the counter for futher donations.

Mason was with Gibson when he heard about the Chicken Express fundraiser.

“He felt very thankful. He was kind of blown away by it,” she said.

Mason also expressed the medical expenses are beginning to add up, and recognized that in light of a rapidly growing sum, $3,400 can seem small.

“His family is really thankful that people are pulling together for him. The dent that the money makes can be seen as small,” Mason acknowledged, “but it’s still $3,400 that Justin doesn’t have to pay.”