On Saturday, February 24, a successful benefit was hosted by the Woolwine Community Ruritans at Woolwine Elementary School to help with the medical expenses for Lauren Worley and Micah Underwood, two teenagers who were involved in a car accident on December 16, 2023. The teenagers and their families were able to briefly attend the event and express their gratitude to the large crowd.
The benefit began with an opening prayer by Shaun Draughn. The crowd was then entertained by volunteer performances by Michael Ray Fain; Mike Hall, Allison Harris, & Jackie Belcher; The Revelators; Voices of Praise, Fresh Harvest Praise Team; The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee; PCHS Praise & Worship; and Jordan T. Morrison & the Foothill Boys.
Three local hairstylists – Kricket Morrison, Lisa Jerecke, and Jessica Belcher – volunteered their services to give well over fifty haircuts. Eighty-six donated baskets were raffled off during four scheduled times. Roger Gammons periodically auctioned off baked goods between singing performances, and at the end of the night, forty items were auctioned off. Cafeteria Manager Ellen Hylton volunteered her time to head up the kitchen group that prepared and sold over nine hundred plated meals. A variety of baked goods were also available for purchase. The Ararat Ruritans assisted by handling the 50/50 raffle.
The Woolwine Community Ruritans extend special thanks to the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department, Smith River Rescue Squad, Patrick County Patriots, Floyd Ruritans, various Ruritan organizations from Patrick County, and the PCHS baseball team. Thanks to all those community members and businesses who made donations and/or volunteered at this event. Tyler Collins and Emily Shuff, WES custodians, gave their time to make sure the event ran smoothly. The Ruritans are grateful to Mrs. Jeannie K. Hubbard and the Patrick County School Board for the use of the building and grounds for this event.
A special meeting was held on Monday, March 4 with Micah’s family, Lauren’s family, Woolwine Community Ruritans, Smith River Rescue Squad, and Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department, to present to the two families with the $45,900 that was raised at the benefit. The families chose to split the money equally for their respective medical and therapy bills.
