Barbecue benefit for 20-year-old critically injured in accident
Dylan Travis, 20, of Buchanan Dam suffered life-threatening injuries in vehicle accident on Park Road 4 in May 2023. A benefit to help with his medical expenses is Sept. 17 at Pardners Nightclub in Buchanan Dam. Staff and courtesy photos
A barbecue and live music event on Sept. 17 at Pardners Nightclub in Buchanan Dam will raise money for the Travis family, whose 20-year-old son, Dylan, suffered life-threatening injuries in a one-vehicle accident in May on Park Road 4.
“He sustained massive, severe head trauma,” said benefit organizer J.R. Wills. “He’s been in the hospital this whole time.”
The fundraiser, which is from 2-8 p.m. at the venue, 15615 Texas 29, features three live bands, a barbecue dinner, raffles, and silent and live auctions with a chance to win a guitar signed by country music legend George Strait.
“A friend of mine knows George’s bus driver, and he was kind enough to get a guitar to him,” Wills said. “I think he signed it on July 24, right before they went to Nashville for a show.”
All proceeds from the Sept. 17 benefit will go toward medical expenses, travel, and lodging to ensure the Buchanan Dam family is able to accompany Dylan as he moves forward with his rehabilitation.
“We want to help the Travis family out,” Wills said. “They’re great people. I know they have a long road ahead of them with Dylan and his recovery. We’re just asking for the community to reach out and give them a hand.”
Musical performances start at 2 p.m. with Charlie Sardo and Courtney Reed, followed by The Jody Proctor Band at 4 p.m. and Southern Underground at 6 p.m.
Live auctions will take place in between. Items include autographed guitars from Texas country music artists, quilts, guns, custom knives, and guided fishing trips. Attendees can also enter raffles for each of the silent auction items. Ticket costs vary.
“We’ve got lots of things coming in,” Wills said.
Pre-packaged briskets also will be auctioned off.
“My neighbors in the area in Lake Buchanan are going to fully cook 13 to 15 briskets,” Wills said. “What we’re going to do is vacuum-seal those briskets and live auction each one. They’ll be fully smoked and cooked.”
Guests can enjoy a pulled pork sandwich, chips, and a soft drink for $10.
“I think that’s pretty cheap,” Wills said. “You can’t go to any local barbecue stand and get a sandwich and chips and a drink for less than $10, I don’t think.”
Wills asks that all pledged items for the auction be turned in by Friday, Sept. 1. Prospective donors may call him at 512-755-9737.