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BIG BAY - It was shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday when Eugene "Gene" Fletcher arrived at Bay Cliff Health Camp. Fletcher, Isabella, the 14-year-old so many people have been rooting for, had completed his 100-mile Trek to Bay Cliff in his wheelchair.

A banner of congratulations spanned the camp's entrance gate, and a welcoming crowd of campers, staff and parents lined each side of the driveway. Many cheered wildly as Gene sped through the finish-line tape that marked the end of his four-day journey.

Fletcher made the trip to raise money for Bay Cliff.

Gene was joined by his father, Mike Fletcher, and Bay Cliff Health Camp Director Tim Bennett. Mike Fletcher spoke on behalf of his son.

"For the last 2 months, Gene has been collecting money for Bay Cliff. This is the total of that collection, as of last night," Mike said, as he and Gene presented an oversized check for $20,801.42. Gene doubled the amount he had set out to raise.

"That was the total as of last night," said Gene's mother, Naomi Fletcher, Saturday. "The total actually went to $21,500 in the last two hours, and we haven't yet added today's donations or what's waiting for us back at home."

Gene added that he had taken in $500 more on the road.

Bennett was stunned and pleased with the donation. "On behalf of Bay Cliff Health Camp, I want to thank Gene and his family for making Bay Cliff so successful," he said. He added the message Gene had sent by taking on such a tremendous challenge is, "No matter what your disability or challenge in life, if you want to accomplish something, you can do it. This is Gene's message to everyone."

Mike described the trip as exhausting. "It was a long, gruelling trip, worrying about (Gene) being alright. For the most part everyone was very courteous, and he stayed on the road all the way. For Gene, this is huge ... and we're on time.

"We could never have done this without the organization and planning Naomi did. She was the backbone of this whole operation."

Gene said it felt great to finally cross the finish line.

He said the worst part of the trip was "staying on the road and not getting run over. My back hurts from the bumpy road and from sleeping in the car at night."

And the best part of the trip? "The view of the forest and lake, and the quiet," said Gene.

According to Naomi, traffic was fast and the lanes were very narrow on some stretches of highway they traveled. However, she and Mike took special precautions to protect their son, including having a lead car with caution lights and a follow-up vehicle.

"People were really good about giving us a wide berth as they passed by," said Naomi.

All along the way, random people stopped and rushed over to stuff cash in the donation can Gene pulled behind him in a little wagon. Several people joined him on bicycles along the way, to show their support and to lend their company.

Just one example of the kindness and generosity extended to Gene during his trek happened on day three. A loaded logging truck stopped on a narrow shoulder and the driver ran across the busy highway to donate $100. The man gave no name, but only his heartfelt wishes for safety and success.

The whole Trek to Bay Cliff plan was unveiled months ago during the Rapid River Lions Club's annual Bay Cliff fund-raising event.

The trek, which was Gene's idea, was to be the climax of a 2-month fund-raiser designed to raise $10,000 for Bay Cliff.