Snowboarders hit the slopes to help injured teen

It's finally beginning to feel like spring, but Sunday's sunny skies and above-freezing temperatures didn't keep snowboarders from across the area from heading to Raging Buffalo Snow Park in Algonquin to help out one of their own.

Friends and supporters of P.J. O'Donnell, the 17-year-old Raging Buffalo employee seriously injured at the facility March 2, hit the slopes to raise funds to help in his recovery.

Volunteers manned a table of donated goods that were sold and raffled during the event was called "Ride for P.J.,"and snowboarders wore red ribbons and handmade buttons as a sign of support. Many also signed a snowboard with encouraging messages that later will be delivered to P.J.

The Jacobs High School student was injured when his arm became trapped in machinery at the park.

He was in intensive care for several days and is recovering from multiple surgeries.