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Fundraiser for Unlucky Contractor10-24-07 | News

Fundraiser for Unlucky Contractor

That Chattanooga, Tenn. area has a number of hard sandstone cliffs and ledges that are utilized by local rock climbers. Area pond contractor Richard Gattone was seriously injured when his equipment failed while on a climb. Photo: www.chattanoogachamber.com

Richard Gattone, a talented water-feature contractor, was seriously injured in a fall while rock climbing on Aug. 11th when his equipment failed. The accident broke his back in two places, crushed his pelvis, broke six ribs and shattered his right foot and ankle.

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Rick, who lives near Chattanooga, Tenn., is an accomplished climber and an active volunteer for the local Cliff and Cave Search and Rescue Team. Fellow team members assisted in his rescue and helped save his life.

Rick Gattone has come a long way since he almost died on the Aug. 11 climb. Doctors now think his pelvis may heal enough to walk again. Photo courtesy of Rick Bartel

Doctors say he was within fifteen minutes of succumbing to injuries when rescuers reached his badly-damaged body. Rick may not be able to bend over or pick up more than 10 or 15 lbs. when he recovers. But he is likely to walk again, as damage to his pelvis is not as severe as was first feared.

His dedicated career as a water feature contractor may be over. Many say it is a miracle that he even survived.

Rick Gattone was a master pond contractor, and his experience and knowledge can still be put to good use, friend and colleague Rick Bartel told LCN.

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Pond contractor Rick Gattone has a network of family and friends who are standing by him in the wake of the climbing mishap. He?EUR??,,????'?????<Photo courtesy of Rick Bartel

On Dec. 7 and 8, a special fundraising benefit will be held in Chattanooga to assist with Rick’s recovery effort. The event, hosted by the Savio Water Feature Institute program, will be the subject of a two-day Advanced RISE Method seminar. Attendees will take part in the construction of an 80-ft. water feature while learning advanced natural water feature design techniques.

Proceeds will go to a charity set up in Richard Gattone’s name. Industry sponsors and individuals interested in offering their time, equipment, or making a donation of funds toward his ongoing medical expenses are requested to contact his friend and local organizer Rick Bartel (505) 803-1612.

Anyone wishing to help or participate can also contact Bill Lane of Savio Engineering at marketing@savio.cc or (505) 428-2492.

Volunteers are asked to keep quiet about the effort, as proceeds from the fundraiser will be presented to Rick during a separate surprise event.

Source: Savio Water Feature Institute, howgoodcanyouget.com, Erik Skindrud, regional editor, and Bill Lane: Savio Engineering, Inc.