Good evening everyone,
Brody's Walk was absolutely amazing. What a great community we live in that nearly 500 people would show up for such a great cause. Below is the article on Brody's walk that I wrote for tomorrow's journal. I hope you enjoy it.
I will also be posting some of the pics, I took with my iphone on my facebook.
Thanks,
Mike
By Michael Farnworth
For the Journal
POCATELLO— Black shirts, and signs adorned with Justice for Brody, justice for Bella, and It should not hurt to be a kid could be seen moving down Yellowstone Avenue Wednesday morning when over 400 people showed up in support of "Brody's Walk".
The child abuse awareness walk began in the old Fred Meyer parking lot located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. just north of Alameda road in Pocatello and made it's way south along Yellowstone to the corner of fourth st. and E. Center st. where it stopped in front of the Bannock County Court House.
The Bannock County Courthouse is where Dennis Timberlake, 24, will be put on trial for felony injury to a child. Timberlake was arrested Jan. 3 after allegedly beating Brody Passey nearly to death.
Timberlake is currently out of jail on bond while awaiting the jury trial to begin on May 10. Timberlake's pre-trial hearing is set for April 25, also at the Courthouse.
Matthew Gonzales, 28, was also charged with felony injury to a child in the beating of Aerabella, and was set to be in court on April 5, however Gonzales waived his right to the hearing as he did not contest the charges. "The defense offered to plead guilty in exchange for a 6 month rider at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood, Idaho." Thomas said.
Beck's family has said that they rejected the deal, stating that they would rather take their chances with a trial.
Two-year-old Brody Passey and two-year-old Aerabella Beck were both on hand for the walk, which was organized in their honor, and both were in great spirits as they made their way through the cheering crowd.
As the two block long line of supporters made their way toward the courthouse, most vehicles that passed would honk their horns in support of the group
"This is just awesome," Jennifer Jones (Brody's mother) said. "It's all so very humbling for us, that the community would show up for us like this."
"Im excited," Emily Thomas (Aerabella's mother) said. "We weren't expecting this, and it makes me want to cry. Bella was sick yesterday, so we were afraid that we wouldn't be able to be here today, but she is doing a lot better today."
Krystal Charlton Orchard is a friend of both families, and has tried to help out both families in organizing, and getting the fundraisers some exposure.
"This is awesome," Orchard said, "It's great to see the community come out to support these two special kids."
Supporters showed up for the walk from all over South East Idaho. Joey Sommer, Lauri King, and Kendra King came to Pocatello from Montpelier to support the walk.
"We run a preschool in Montpelier" Sommer said, "So we closed the preschool today and we even brought a few of our preschool kids with us to be a part of this."
"This is a major concern of ours," Lauri King said, "we see child abuse cases happening more and more every day, and we just wanted to show up and give our support, and try to get some justice for these kids."
Michelle Jones (Brody's Grandmother) spent the time just before the walk, taking donations, and letting people sign a poster for the two children.
"This is just great," said Michelle Jones, "it makes me know that people think this is a serious problem that needs to be looked at. This is just awesome. I never expected it to get this big, and it is just amazing."
"Brody is just awesome," Tyler Passey (Brody's Father) said, "he is just a trooper and a fighter. He's just a tough little boy, he always has been. This is just so overwhelming with all of the support from the community. I'm just so happy to see all these people come out here today."
Emberly Jones is a family friend of the Jones' who was also on hand for the walk.
"We moved to Downey 3 years ago," Jones said, "and ever since we moved there, Jennifer and her family have treated us just like we were family. So when we pulled into the parking lot, I just got goose bumps, and it made me so glad that we are doing an awareness rally, and not an in memory of."
Wes and Patricia Thomas (Aerabella's Grandparents) came out and walked with their daughter and granddaughter.
"This just brings tears to my eyes," Wes Thomas said, "both these kids are just Miracle babies."
A second fundraiser is being planned for June 11 in honor of both Passey and Beck. The fundraiser will be held from 1-5 p.m. at O.K. Ward Park on the eastside pavilion located at 1400 West Quinn Road, and will include a live auction, hot dogs and soda, live bands, a raffle and several activities for children including a jump house.
Cash Donations are still being welcomed and should one want to donate, you can donate to Aerabella Beck at the Advantage Plus Credit Union, where an account has been set up in Aerabella's mother's name (Emily Thomas), or you can donate at the — Justice for Aerabella Facebook page.
Donations can be made for Brody Passey by sending check or cash to 5837 E. Grant Road, Downey, ID 83234, or by visiting the — Brody's Walk Facebook support page. You can also call Michelle Jones at (208) 317-8509 if you would like to order "Brody's Walk" t-shirts or bracelets.
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