Natalie's Benefit was a HUGE success!

Last Saturday was the benefit for Natalie Eades and let me just say, it was great! We had a great turn out for the golf tournament as well as the dinner. The support from the community was felt by myself as well as the Eades family.

The day started off with the golf tournament at Jefferson Country Club. We could not have had better weather or group of golfers playing. The tournament was full with 72 golfers on 18 teams, but we still managed to finish before dark set in. The tournament winners, Schofill, Faglie, Herbert, and Folke, shot a 12 under par, 60. The second place team, Team Olive, shot an 8 under par, 64. The third place team of Gunnels, Barker, and Stephens also shot an 8 under par 64, but loss second place through regression.

The dinner was held at Malloy's Nursery and started at 5 Pm. Lois Ritter graciously donated the facility for the benefit dinner. The dinner consisted of rotisserie style chicken quarters, roasted potatoes, green beans, and rolls donated by Hal Bennett of Johnston's Meat Market. We also had a huge salad donated by Becky Stoutamire and Edward Strickland, and numerous homemade cakes and desserts donated by many friends and family.

There were many other items donated, which helped in making the evening the success that it was. One item in particular was a Ducks Unlimited 12 gauge shotgun made by Beretta, donated by Tommy Fountain. It was initially won in the raffle drawing by Dr. Mike Carney, who specified that if he won, the shotgun was to be put up for auction and sell to the highest bidder with the final amount donated back to the Eades family. When the bidding was finished, the gun was purchased by Sheriff David Hobbs for a sizable donation.

The cake auction was in itself an enormous success. We had many homemade cakes and pies donated, with one reaching a high bid of $200. The average cake brought $98 each.

During all the excitement, a slide show presentation on Natalie's life was prepared by Liz and Mary Beth Bishop. As a special treat for those who attended, we were able to have a live feed though a web cam to Natalie's hospital room. Her father, Jason, was here with us and talked to Natalie, so we were able to see her and say a few words. It was very moving to all who were there.

I need to thank Caleb and Lauren Burnette, Jimmy and Patty Townsend, Junior Tuten and Jason and Amanda Vickers for the use of their trailers and trucks to haul golf carts to the tournament. Also, thanks to Trucks and Trails of Thomasville for the use of ten golf carts for our event. The awards were donated by Sheriff David Hobbs and Property Appraiser Angela Gray for the winners of the tournament. Also, Traci Buzbee covered the operational costs of the dinner.

Special thanks to Dorothy Holden and Jennifer Pitts for all their hard work in decorating for the evening. A huge thanks to Cricket Edwards and Liz Bishop for the countless hours and sleepless nights spent making sure the benefit was perfect.

Now the part you have all been waiting for. With all the generosity from each and everyone of you, the benefit for Natalie was able to raise over $12,000, with donations still coming in! 100% of the funds raised has be given to the Eades family in support of Natalie's fight against cancer. Thank you so much to all who sent donations for her.

Although the benefit is over, I ask for your continual support and prayers for Natalie during these times. You can still donate to the family directly through me, as well as the special account for Natalie at Farmers and Merchants Bank.

The Wharf Express is also doing a fundraiser for Natalie this Sunday, November 15, at the Monticello News. Once again, 100% of the money raised is going to the Eades family. They are having catfish, grits, hush puppies and cole slaw for $7 a plate. Tickets can be purchased at the Monticello News or call 997-3568 for more information.

OK, now to explain the pictures. Yesterday, Brittany and I went to Shands to visit Natalie and her family. We wanted to deliver the great news personally and spend a little time playing with Natalie. Believe it or not, I actually made the cupcakes myself, under strict supervision from my mother. We took toppings of sprinkles, M&M's, and Dora the Explorer edible tops for her to decorate with. As you can see, she did a good job. Natalie wasn't feeling well when we first arrived, but after a few hours she got a little wound up. Brittany and I had such a good time, that we plan on going back next week for another cupcake decorating party.

As Brittany and I were leaving the hospital yesterday, I saw two older men sporting their WWII Veteran hats. It made me thankful that we have service men and women who go unrecognized for all their service and protection they have given us. I know it's a day late, but thank you to each and everyone of the people who have served and who are currently serving to protect and defend our country daily that we may life freely and in peace.

We've had a great time and are so thankful for everyone's generosity to help ease the stress and pain the Eades family goes through on a daily basis. Despite her bad days, Natalie is doing well but still needs your support. Donate when you can, visit and send cards if possible, but most importantly, continue to pray daily for Natalie...that we all can do!

Once again, a sincere thanks to everyone!

Your friend,

Glen

"A hero (Natalie) is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." - Christopher Reeves