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Community rallies to support Clay County Senior Center
Community rallies to support Clay County Senior Center
To the editor:
Jack’s “Senior Family” Fundraising Dinner has completed its third event, and our little group is proud of the results.
While the weather lowered attendance slightly, the enthusiasm was bigger than ever from the crowd who did stop by for dinner and entertainment. It was a social event for all ages, with the youngest unexpectedly performing the “Baby Shark” dance for the crowd.
Our father Mitchell Jackson had the idea for this event, and considering there aren’t many held to support senior citizen activities in the area, we are going gangbusters.
It was a terrific event in 2017 when it was a celebrity chef dinner, with lots of food, music, and fun. All the things he said people can’t live without. He even took the opportunity to dance with a couple of ladies.
That first fundraiser in 2017 raised a little more than $500, with our group providing supplies for the Center to use throughout the year totaling around $750. A few weeks later, on April 24, 2017, he died at our home. One of the last conversations I had with him was about how he had to “get better” because he had people counting on him for help. That’s how he lived his life, always helping others. Jack was actively making plans even on the day of his death two weeks later.
His loss impacted us in so many ways. But one thing we all did that day was agreed to continue this event in his honor.
In 2018 the funds soared to $1,100, with additional supplies totaling around $1,500. We were brought to tears at how successful it was.
This year our group was surprised again to discover $2,000 was raised at the end of the evening, with more checks and change to cash in at the bank. As of the date of this letter we are still receiving monetary donations from members of the public.
Each year we cooked more than what was needed, but the food hasn’t gone to waste. In 2017 we gave it away for people to take home or to others who were unable to come. The past two years we made boxes of the food and delivered it to the Brazil Police and Fire departments, STAR Ambulance Service and the Clay County Justice Center. Jack believed in supporting the brave men and women who serve our local community every single day - the first responders. While he might not have thought of that idea, he’d be proud we are doing that too!
The small idea is also having a ripple effect in the community.
The Center Director Sharon Brown is receiving lots of phone calls from others who want to help financially and are offering services to the facility.
While the budget constraints are difficult, the Center is striving to do their best to provide local Seniors with a place of their own yet also be inviting to the residents in the community. While it's named the Clay County Senior Center, it's open to everyone to come and enjoy the opportunities and entertainment within.
If you want to support the Clay County Senior Center, please call 812-448-8848 for more information about how you can get involved.
The organizers of this event would like to thank the following local businesses/owners/organizations for their past/present/ongoing support:
Brazil Fraternal Order of Eagles #274
Built to Last Tattooing and Fine Art
CATO’s Clothing
Community Theater of Clay County
Dairy Queen
Duke Energy
Goodwill Industries
Indiana University
Little Caesar’s
Mary Kay Cosmetics - Brandi Mace
Nailed It! - Nattalie McClelland and staff
Pink Zebra - Brandy Brown
Save-A-Lot
Subway
Sunshine Cafe
The Brazil Times
V.F.W. Auxiliary
Walmart
Walnut Theater
Individuals involved in the 2019 Facebook fundraiser, including Kevin Hauger, Lori Pannetta Agnello, Michael Lee Giltz, Jennifer Barnett, Leo Southworth, Esther Acree, Eric Herron, Terry Barr, Patrick Hardman, and Beth Ann Hollingsworth.
Entertainment provided by Eric Brown and Jesse Buis, an Elvis Tribute Show.
Mayor Brian Wyndham for his auctioneering services and comedic talents.
Financial supporters Pat & Russ Krider and their family. Keenan & Cathy Jacobs, John & Beverly Turner, Jeana Dixon, Donia Blalock, and several anonymous donors and proxy auction bidders.
Our apologies if anyone is not listed, there was such an outpouring of the gracious spirit of giving we were unable to keep up with everyone’s desire to help.
We will be back in 2020, and maybe again later this year with another event.
Check out Jack’s “Senior Family” Fundraising Dinner or the Senior Citizens of Clay County Facebook pages to learn more about upcoming activities in support of the facility.
Thank you,
Mitchell B. Jackson’s family and friends