Scholarship auction to honor U-Hi student killed in crash

The summer before she died, 15-year-old Josie Freier compiled a “bucket list” of things she wanted to do.

Some of them were simple, like watching the sun set. Freier also wanted to swim with dolphins, said her dad, Rick Freier.

“We didn’t get that one done,” he said.

Family and friends will hold an auction Sunday at the Spokane Valley Event Center, 10514 E. Sprague Ave., to fund a scholarship in Josie Freier’s name. She and fellow University High School student McKenzie Mott were killed in an Oct. 5, 2013, car crash on Ponderosa Avenue. The driver, Preston Maher, was critically injured but recovered.

Several local businesses and artists have contributed items to the silent auction, which will begin at 2 p.m. and run to 5 p.m. The scholarship will be awarded through the Central Valley School District, Rick Freier said. Applicants must write an essay about a charity they contribute to, based on Josie Freier’s work with her dad for Toys for Tots, and must have a clean driving record.

“I’m hoping all this work will pay off,” Rick Freier said, giving credit to the Mott family and many other parents at Central Valley schools who’ve helped to coordinate the event, meeting at South Pines Elementary School, where Josie Freier attended.

Tickets can be purchased at the event’s website, auctionforanangel.com. They cost $11.54.

Those who can’t attend but wish to contribute to the scholarship fund can make a contribution online, at https://www.gofundme.com/jojoscholarship, or at any STCU branch in town.

Freier and Mott would have graduated from University High School this year. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time at the end of this school year.

A dessert buffet will be provided, and a craft activities will be available for kids. Live music will be performed by a band featuring Josie Freier’s grandfather.