Community groups step up to help family purchase vehicle
West Liberty resident Dave Cline and family have experienced some setbacks.
A little more than a year ago, on June 7, 2024, Cline lost the use of his legs as a result of a rare condition where a tumor at T7 blocked his spinal cord and caused paralysis from that area down.
Just a day before, Cline was playing golf and enjoying a full, active life.
The longtime art teacher and coach retired in 2012, after 26 years of service with Indian Lake Schools, district employee Jamie Ross said.
Ross, a former student of Cline’s, said Cline — who students affectionately referred to as “So Fine Mr. Cline” — was a great teacher and a “great character teacher.”
With Cline being wheelchair-bound, his wife, Kim, and family need a wheelchair-accessible van to make travel easier. Multiple medical and therapy appointments weekly for the couple, now both in their mid-60s, make lifting a wheelchair in and out of their current vehicle a taxing chore.
The couple is now more homebound than they would like, with their daily travels having become more burdensome.
When a recent opportunity arose to purchase an affordable van for the Cline family, community members stepped up to help.
A fundraising effort to facilitate the purchase of a $24,500 van from another local family who had a loved one with the same diagnosis as Cline was spearheaded by Shannon Maier of Journey Living Ministries/Sozo Center in West Liberty.
However, another party purchased the van before sufficient funds could be raised to buy the vehicle on the Clines’ behalf.
Maier said, despite this latest setback, the search for another suitable vehicle for the Clines and fundraising efforts will continue.
As of early Friday afternoon, June 27, approximately $13,000 had been raised, Maier noted.
Maier, who reached out to some local and area car dealers, said the type of van needed can cost more than $40,000.
Kim Cline, also a retired educator, said she and Dave are “blown away” by the support of their community, adding, “we couldn’t live in a better place.”
Despite their difficulties, the Clines’ strong faith helps them remain upbeat.
Kim shared that Dave was able to wiggle toes on his left foot for the first time Thursday at a doctor’s appointment.
“God gets all the glory,” she said.
Maier encourages anyone with a suitable van available for sale to contact her at (937) 844-3700.
Donations to help purchase a van for the Clines may be remitted to Journey Living Ministries via Venmo @Journey-Living. The last four digits of the Venmo account are “3946” for verification, if needed.
Checks made payable to Journey Living Ministries may also be mailed to P.O. Box 307, West Liberty, OH 43357.
The West Liberty Lions Club, Raising Arrows and Quest Community Church have organized a “Dine for the Clines” meal fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at the main shelter house at West Liberty Lions Park, 576 Pickrelltown St.
The chicken tender or hamburger meal includes fresh-cut fries, coleslaw, dessert and a drink.
The donation-only event will feature live music entertainment by Bill Purk & Friends and raffles.
All proceeds go to Dave and Kim Cline for the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van.
