Mitch Budke grateful for ‘awesome’ community support, including first-ever Mitch Fest, after fireworks accident

In December, Mitch Budke lost three fingers and a thumb on his left hand — and the use of his left eye — after an old firework exploded while he was trying to discard it.

Other people may have completely changed their life’s direction or gotten comfortable looking at what might have been. Not Budke.

The three-time All-State football player is still heavily involved in sports and excelling in school.

Because of the injury, Budke had to learn how to throw with his right hand, but he’s still involved in track and baseball — and he wants to play football at Emporia State University after graduating high school. He also wants to major in education, possibly leading to a teaching and coaching career after college.

Area residents have been supporting Budke and his family since the accident, with the latest example taking place Saturday through the first-ever Mitch Fest: a 9-hole golf tournament, auction and live music from area favorite Brickhorse. Totals are pending, but Budke tells KVOE News he has been amazed by the community support.