A massive turnout from Mankato and beyond Thursday raised tens of thousands of dollars for the family of Isaac Kolstad, the former Minnesota State University, Mankato linebacker who remains critically injured following a fight early May 11.
Kolstad's employer, Fastenal of Mankato, held the fundraiser with hundreds of donated items, including autographed sports items, that were sold in live and silent auctions. Family attorney Ken White estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 people attended, many wearing T-shirts with the hashtag #22strong, a reference to Kolstad's jersey number.
The exact amount raised was still being tallied late Thursday, White said.
Kolstad, 24, who suffered a fractured skull and other injuries, remained in a medically induced coma at Mayo Clinic Health System on Thursday night. White says that he's improving.
Physicians have told Kolstad's wife that his recovery will be "a marathon," White said. Kolstad has a 3-year-old daughter and his wife is pregnant.
Two men have been charged in the attack in downtown Mankato, including former Gophers quarterback Phillip Nelson.
Jason Eck, an assistant football coach at MSU, said several current and former MSU football players were among those who attended. "It was very encouraging; it was neat to see the outpouring," Eck said.
Eck also noted the wide range of items auctioned. They included 22 cigars from Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire's 1,000th win, baseball bats from Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, Jerome Simpson's used cleats and a football signed by Bud Grant.
