WALLINGFORD, Conn. — In September the man behind the life-size creations at Beaumont Farm in Wallingford was seriously injured while on the job. After giving awe and joy to the community for years, the community is now giving back.
“I was working on a tractor and unbeknown to me somehow, whether it was a fuel line, I dribbled some gas on the back of my leg never knew it. A little while later I’m jump-starting the tractor it went spark, boom, up in flames,” said Billy Beaumont, owner of Beaumont Farm.
The fire caused serious burns to his right leg but quick actions kept him from furthering his injuries.
“I grabbed my raincoat and put it out and someone dowsed me with a bucket a water,” said Beaumont.
He was taken to the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital where he underwent three skin graft surgeries. A GoFundMe raised more than $40,000 in six days. The money is going to help him deal with bills and give him peace of mind as he is unable to work for a few months while he recovers.
“They have been fantastic! Oh my God, they’re worried about me, they’re donating to me. I can’t express…it’s just the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen, thank you so much to everyone, thank you,” said Beaumont.
“This is a man who doesn’t ask for anything in return. He just gives and gives, and he loves the joy on people’s faces. So, to see them give back I can’t describe that feeling, it’s heartwarming,” said Christine Laskowski, an employee at Beaumont Farm
Staff and volunteers are helping him keep the life-size characters dressed for the season. Beaumont says people will continue to see festive displays throughout the holiday season.
Click here If you would like to donate to Billy Beaumont’s GoFundMe.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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