Benefit Saturday to help man injured in 2022 wreck

When Jason Harling’s house burned down, he didn’t know what he was going to do.

The generosity of the community in helping him get back on his feet is being paid forward on Saturday, as Harling has organized a benefit truck and tractor pull for Eagle Rock man Bryson Wilderbuer.

The event is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Cassville American Legion Grounds. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-13, free for children 5-and-under.

Harling and Wilderbuer worked together at Mike’s Auto Care, and Wilderbuer was test driving a vehicle on Highway 37 on Dec. 2, 2022, when he was struck from behind by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper running lights and sirens while responding to a call.

The crash left Wilderbuer seriously injured, and talk of helping him with medical expenses led Harling to take action.

“Being friends with Bryson has meant more than anything,” Harling said. “He’s a super nice kid, and I’ve been down and out before.

“When my house burned down, a bunch of people pitched in and gave me a ton of money. I got good-sized checks from people who I didn’t talk to or even know well.”

Harling said that feeling of community support is one he wanted to deliver to his friend. Harling said Wilderbuer is recovering, but may face life-long challenges as a result of the crash.

“A lot of people here care about everyone — not just themselves,” he said. “I know what it’s like to have something happen and not know what to do. I decided to put on this pull for him because a few people were talking about doing a benefit. I just took it on myself to do it.”

Harling said he gathered enough sponsors to host a pull he hopes will be equal or greater in size and attendance than the annual Cassville Truck and Tractor Pull in July, which had 100 participants .

“I’d like to make at least $10,000, and anything above that would be fantastic,” he said. “But, $10K would be extra cool. All the proceeds will go directly to Bryson.”

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the event, and no alcoholic beverages are allowed.

There is a $20 hook fee, and payouts are $75 for first place, $40 for second and $20 for third. For a pulling order and list of sponsors, people may access the event flyer at https://tinyurl.com/ mwuz9han.

For more information, people may call Harling at 417-846-8854.