RIB MOUNTAIN — Two Rib Mountain eateries were packed to the brim Saturday in a community-wide event to support a Wausau woman who suffered life-threatening injuries in a hit-and-run crash this summer.
Molly Viehweg, 22, of Wausau, was struck by a passing vehicle at about 12:30 p.m. July 19 on First Avenue and Knox Street on Wausau’s west side. Viehweg was out for a run when she was struck, according to police and witness statements. Police say Viehweg underwent brain surgery shortly after the crash. The alleged driver, 27-year-old Josie Romero, fled the scene but was arrested a day later in Antigo. Romero is being held in the Marathon County Jail on a $150,000 cash bond.
Viehweg’s story touched the hearts of many people in and out of the Wausau area, prompting two local businesses to launch a major initiative to help defray her ongoing medical expenses. On Saturday, Rib Mountain Taphouse, 2501 N. Mountain Road; and Mountain Edge Restaurant, Bar & Banquets, 2901 Hummingbird Road, held day-long events filled with music, raffles, a silent auction and more. The entire parking lot at the Taphouse was roped off for the well-coordinated event, with bus service taking attendees to and from the two locations and to outlying parking lots.
Dozens of donated raffle baskets lined the tables at Mountain Edge, where owner Mike Decker said he was all too happy to participate.
“It’s great to see the community come together like this,” Decker told Wausau Pilot and Review on Saturday.
Larger raffles and auction items were on the grounds at Rib Mountain Taphouse, where Viewheg worked before the crash.
The event drew attendees from as far away as Seattle. Victoria Wilson, a lifelong friend of Viehweg’s mother, flew in for the day to show her support. Others drove from the La Crosse and Milwaukee areas and beyond for the chance to donate money and help fund Molly’s recovery.
A final fundraising total was not available early Sunday.
Friends have also launched a GoFundMe page to help Viehweg cope with mounting medical costs for her care.
“All funds received will be used to alleviate the financial strain brought on by Molly’s treatment,” the page reads. “Any donation, big or small, is deeply and sincerely appreciated. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please pray for her recovery and share the link to this cause.”
Donate by clicking here.
