Canal Street Diner fundraiser brings in $5,348 for Tusky Valley freshman Mayson White

On Sept. 18, the Canal Street Diner in Bolivar held a fundraiser for Mayson White, a Tusky Valley freshman who was injured in the first game of the season. Between raffle baskets donated by local businesses and individuals and the diner donating 50% of its sales, the event raised $5,348 for the family.

White experienced a paralyzing injury, the result of a collision with a member of the Waynedale Golden Bears team during the first football game of the season.

White is the son of Amanda and Justin White of Bolivar. Amanda White has been keeping friends and the community apprised of Mayson White’s condition, celebrating every small victory on Facebook. Her posts reflect her son’s eternal optimism and amazing smile, regardless of the tests and procedures he has to endure or the prognosis.

“He has some movement of his fingers and hands, some feeling in his feet, but that’s it. Everything else he can’t feel or move.”

Since his first evening in the hospital, Amanda White has shared her son’s progress and celebrated his accomplishments.

“My boy is strong and resilient and a fighter. The steps he’s making and the attitude is just something else. Everyone could learn a little from this kid.”

The community rallies to offer support

The owners of the Canal Street Diner hustled to put together the fundraiser when they heard about Mayson’s injury.

“Mayson and his family have been coming to the diner for years, and we just wanted to be able to give back to them in their time of need,” said Kayla Patton, co-owner of the diner. “They are amazing people and we know this is going to be a long road for his rehab and healthcare needs moving forward. We are so blessed to be able to help.”

According to Barbie Patterson, a server at the Canal Street Diner, the restaurant and its outdoor patio were packed all day.

“We saw a lot of our regular customers, but we saw some new faces, too,” she said.

Joy and Todd Witham are among those regular customers.

“We’re big fans of the diner,” said Joy Witham. “And that you man needs all the support he can get. We’re praying for him, and I think he’s making great strides.”

Randy and Mary Yonally also are regulars. “We like the way they help the community,” said Mary Yonally. Anytime there’s a need, they always see to help fulfill it.”

Amanda White also expressed her appreciation for the support her son has received.

“Justin and I have no words to fully explain how appreciative we are for everything everyone in our community and surrounding communities near and far have done for Mayson and our family.”

Mayson White’s grandmother, Marlene Anderson said he continues to make improvement every day and also remarked on his attitude.

“His whole attitude and outlook is unbelievable,” she said. “You never see him cry. He always has the smile. Always.”

According to Joy Witham both Dover and New Philadelphia schools, in an act of solidarity, placed donation buckets at a recent football game to raise money for Mayson White.

The financial burden placed on the Whites is significant as their son’s medical bills continue to rise. They also will have to make changes to their home to accommodate a wheelchair and other possible medical equipment.

“You know, for such a small restaurant I feel like $5,348 is amazing,” said Patterson. “We did amazing things that day.”

How to help

Donations can be made at gofundme.com. Search for Mayson White. The Tusky Valley Booster Club is also selling raffle tickets to win a 2026 GMC Terrain donated by Ron Marhoffer in Canton. The Booster club will donate a portion of the proceeds to the White family. Tickets can be purchased at tvtrojanboosters.org. The winning ticket will be drawn Dec. 23.