The family of Rowan Coughlin, a young girl born with cerebral palsy, has organized a community raffle at the Greenfield Elks Lodge to try to raise money to purchase a wheelchair van.
The family of Rowan Coughlin, a young girl born with cerebral palsy, has organized a community raffle at the Greenfield Elks Lodge to try to raise money to purchase a wheelchair van. Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GREENFIELD — The Elks Lodge at 3 Church St. will be the site of a raffle on Saturday, Nov. 25, to generate money for a wheelchair van for a young girl with family in Greenfield.

Rowan Coughlin, of Antrim, New Hampshire, was born with cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. As she grows it is becoming more and more difficult for caregivers to get her safely and comfortably in and out of the family van, which her parents learned is incompatible with handicap conversion. Now, the family has a chance to buy a newer model that will suffice for many years, if they can raise $49,950.

“It’s crazy, but that is such a cheap price for a converted wheelchair van,” said Rowan’s mother, Katherine Decato.

To help raise the money, Rowan’s family has organized a raffle from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There will be basket prizes from artisan friends, family and local businesses. There will also be a DJ and a cash bar. All proceeds go directly to Rowan’s van fund.

Decato said this raffle will mirror the one held in her hometown of Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Rowan’s father, Brodie Coughlin, grew up in Greenfield, where his parents still live. Decato said the family is about halfway to its fundraising goal thanks to that initial raffle and direct donations. People can donate via PayPal at @katherinedecato1 and via Venmo at @Katherine-Decato.

“Our communities have been amazing,” Decato said.

She explained the family bought a wheelchair van a few years ago with the intention of converting it, but was not told all the specific requirements that needed to be met.

“[Rowan’s] not going to fit in her car seat much longer. She’s a very social girl and likes to be out and about, and I can’t imagine that not happening,” her mother said. “She’s super happy. For a girl who doesn’t have words, she has a lot to say.”

The family hopes to buy a 2019 Toyota Sienna.

Decato said the whole family, including Rowan’s 9-year-old brother Jamison Coughlin, will attend Saturday’s raffle.

“It’s going to be a fun day,” she said.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.