Harley-Davidson store organizes benefit for its general manager

STAFF REPORT

HERMITAGE, Pa. — Thunder Harley-Davidson is coordinating a benefit for its general manager, who was critically injured in an accident in November.

Jeff Cape, 52, who lives in Champion, was hurt Nov. 20 while on his motorcycle near the dealership on East State Street, said sales manager Steve Kaufman.

Kaufman said a car pulled out of a side street into Cape’s path, and he hit the side of it.

Cape was moved two weeks ago to Health South, a rehabilitation center in Erie, Pa.

“They’re hoping to get his motor skills working again,” said Kaufman, adding that everyone is optimistic he will make a full recovery.

He said the people of the dealership and Cape’s family are putting on the benefit to help pay for his medical expenses, which are “through the roof.”

Cape’s wife, Regina, said her husband was in a comalike state at St. Elizabeth Health Center, waking up at Christmastime.

He was moved to Health South on Dec. 30. That center deals with brain trauma, she explained, but she is hoping her husband will be moved to a rehabilitation center closer to home by Valentine’s Day.

She said her husband, found under the car after the accident, had reconstructive surgery for 15 broken bones in his face. He also had a collapsed lung.

The benefit, she said, will raise money for not only medical expenses that insurance won’t cover but for equipment Jeff will need when he gets home, such as a wheelchair.

“We’ll probably need a van,” she said.

Tickets for the benefit, at Tully’s next to the Lube in Sharon, Pa., from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 31, are available at First Place Bank at the Giant Eagle Plaza in Howland; at the Hair Company, 118 Cleveland St. in Warren; and at Harley-Davidson, 1344 E. State St. They are $15, which includes food and live music. The event also will feature a cash bar, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle.

Donations also can be mailed to the Jeff Cape Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 8952, Warren, OH 44484.