Tallahassee community hosts fundraiser for injured teacher

(WCTV)
Published: Feb. 17, 2019 at 11:26 PM EST
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By: Sophia Hernandez | WCTV Eyewitness News

February 17, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee community came out to the American Legion Sunday to support teacher, adventurer and singer Irwin Friedman.

Irwin expressed, "It's really wonderful, all the people that I care about and care about me are here."

The 68-year-old teacher was grateful to feel the support of so many people.

His partner Tamara said, "My heart is so full of gratitude, that he's being in front of people and we are getting to be with him."

After falling off of a roof 10 years ago, Friedman has been struggling with neurological damage.

Judy Langston, a longtime friend of Irwin said, "He's amazing and he needs to be well so he can come back and keep contributing to our kids."

Langston, who hosted the event, said she's hoping to see faces both familiar and new.

She said, "We are just going to love on each other, a lot of people haven't seen each other in a while and it's really a feel-good event."

The event featured live performances, a silent auction and food.

Ayana Bambach, a student from Magnolia, shared Friedman's impact on her saying, "Yeah, he's a pretty big part of my childhood."

Liam Ralston, another student, agrees adding, "He's one of the many people who inspired me to be who I am and to be nice."

Irwin felt the embrace from the community, hoping that others feel it too.

He said, "I think it's for us to direct that love to everyone, not just, I'm sure it's not just to me, but because we all need it, everyone needs a fundraiser like this."

Fundraisers working to get a beloved teacher healthy and back in the classroom. Irwin's friends and family are reaching out to the community, asking for whatever help people can give.