UPDATE: Fundraiser to help Staunton woman will go on as planned

The "Jackie Strong" fundraising dinner/silent auction - to benefit Staunton Resident Jackie Miller - will go on although she passed away over the weekend.

Members of the Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department organized the event to help raise money to allow Miller to pay for upcoming medical expenses as she fought kidney cancer. Now, the funds raised will help pay for funeral arrangements.

Fire Chief Cody Barnard confirmed the department's Facebook post Sunday announcing Miller's death and their continued effort to support Miller and her family:

"It's with heavy hearts and deep sadness; we announce the passing of Staunton Resident and friend Jackie Miller. Jackie earned her angel wings earlier this morning. Her battle against cancer was short, but we are glad she's no longer in pain. Our hearts are broken, and we send our deepest condolences to her family... her children, Chad, Dani & Traci, as well as all her grandchildren. She was a wonderful person, and we ask that you lift her family up in your thoughts and prayers.

RIP Jackie... Until we meet again."

The public is encouraged to attend the event in support of Miller's family and share a memory or two of Jackie Miller.

Jackie Strong Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 4–8 PM

Staunton Community Building

Staunton residents can call Andrea at (812)249-5916 or call Monica at (812)243-3513 the day of the event to place orders for home delivery.

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Jackie Strong Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 4–8 PM

Staunton Community Building

Freewill donations

Firefighters are rallying to support a member of their "family" recently diagnosed with cancer.

Staunton Resident Jackie Miller was recently diagnosed with Kidney Cancer, and Posey Township firefighters are rallying to help cover future medical expenses she faces.

"Jackie has always been close to the fire department. It's always been a family thing for her," said Posey Fire Chief Cody Barnard. "Her husband Errett served on this department for 20 years before he was killed in the line of duty. Her son still serves here, almost 20 years now, along with a son-in-law that's been on the department,"

When the department found out Jackie's diagnosis, Barnard said the firefighters quickly decided to do their part to help her out. They decided to do a benefit spaghetti dinner and silent auction despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have had several items already donated for the silent auction. All of the food has been donated," said Barnard. "This community always comes together when someone needs help. It's one of the reasons I love living here."

The Lady Volunteers are cooking for the event. Firefighters will be on hand to help take orders, serve food, make curbside deliveries and home deliveries to Posey Township residents only.

"People can call ahead to have their food ready for curbside pick-up, or to have a delivery to their home," said the fire chief, who added people could call Andrea at (812)249-5916 or call Monica at (812)243-3513 the day of the event to place orders.

Limited seating will be available at the Staunton Community Center due to COVID-19.

"You come in, make your goodwill donation, have a seat, and a firefighter will bring everything to you," said Barnard. "They will deliver it to the curb. Anybody, whether they want to sit down inside to eat, or take advantage of the take out or delivery service, they can social distance."

The silent auction will be set up outside to allow for social distancing and people to look over the items and make bids safely.

"Jackie Strong" T-shirts ($20 each for sizes up to 2X, $25 for bigger sizes) have been created in support of the fundraiser, with a large number already presold and the orders are coming. The shirts will be available the night of the fundraiser and beyond if anybody wants one.

"We are going to take orders as long as anyone wants one," said Barnard, adding the shirts can be emailed to the department at poseyfire@nwcable.net.

It's unclear if Jackie will be able to attend the event. Jackie and her family are very humble, and they don't like to be in the spotlight.

"We all lived through the tragedy that killed Errett. Jackie has always been at the department," said Barnard. "We are hoping for a good turnout and that we can do the best that we can to help her through the tough financial times ahead."