I experienced the most wonderful thing this weekend

[Olivia]

My husband and I traveled two hours to his hometown of Wickes, Arkansas this weekend to attend a benefit for his mother who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July.  She is a self employed beautician with no insurance, so medical costs are beginning to mount up.

Wickes is a small rural town and it with the surrounding community have around 2,000 people. Most people in this area are either farmers or work shift jobs at the local chicken plant. There are not many if any professionals or CEOs in this area. They are just down home good country people.

We were at the benefit, which included a donation only meal, a raffle drawing for a four wheeler trailer, and an auction, for 6 1/2 hours.  In that time period the donation meal raised 4,000 dollars, the raffle raised 1,500 dollars and the auction raised around 11,000 dollars. For a grand total of about 16,000 dollars. It was a awe inspiring and very humbling experience.

Many of the things that were auctioned were small items- such as cakes and pies- that auctioned for a 100 or 200 dollars. Many people even bought back the items they brought then gave them away.

It was an amazing night and when the total was announced our family just sat there and cried. It was unbelievable how this small community has so much love and appreciation for its members that they would do something so wonderful.

There ARE good people left on this earth who are still willing to give the shirt off their back to help another. I feel blessed to know these people and to have been a part of such a phenomenal event.

[ErinGudge]

What an amazing thing! It's so wonderful when communities band together like that. I just love to hear stories like this, and I really needed to hear one today! Thanks for sharing this. I hope her treatments go quickly and kick that cancer's sorry little you know what!

[Patrice]

That truly is a heart-warming story, Olivia.
My prayers are with you and your family that your mother in law gets well and can include herself among other cancer survivors.

Small towns are really wonderful - we live in a very rural area too and it is truly amazing how we pull together in times of need.

Peace to you.

[Babs]

You stole my words, Patrica.

Heart-warming is the first thing I thought of! 
It's great to hear that there are so many people out there who are so thoughtful and giving and self-less.

[miriamkaye]

Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming experience and all the best for your MIL's speedy recovery. 

[Lisa M. Pace]

What a wonderful moment. I am so glad there are still nice people in this world. I will send good thoughts and prayers to your MIL. TFS

[kissy]

How wonderful that your MIL has such a supportive community! Sending warms thoughts and prayers to you and your family!