On October 11th last year, the life of a CMR sophomore was changed forever after a horrific accident. Saturday night, the community came together to support him. Luke Clinger was given only a 2 % chance of survival after suffering major head trauma when his minivan rolled over off Interstate 15 as he was driving to school last October. Four months later he has beat the odds and over 700 people came to a benefit in his honor to celebrate. The northwest center in Great Falls was filled beyond capacity for tonight's event. The family was surprised and touched by just how many people showed up. They said they were blessed and overwhelmed with the response. Not only were friends and family on hand for dinner and festivities like face painting and live music, but many people who didn't even know the family like Karen West from Fairfield decided to come after hearing Luke’s story. "When you hear about something like that it just makes your heart go in your throat” she told us. There was a silent and live auction with tens of thousands of dollars of goods up for bid. Everything from trips to signed footballs to diamonds were donated and auctioned off. Even a puppy and orthodontic work were sold to help raise money for Luke’s staggering medical bills, which now total over a million dollars. He has come really far, but still has a long way to go according to friends and family. If you missed tonight's event and would still like to help you can send donations to:

Clinger family benefit fund
PO Box 101
Cascade, Montana
59421

You can also drop off donations at mountain west bank locations in Great Falls. For more information call 231-0377.