Ron Ingram Benefit raises $24,000

Mon, 07/29/2013 - 7:10am — Diane Dyer

When one of our own needs help, people in Butler County are quick to lend a hand. On Saturday, July 27, there was a benefit for Ron Ingram. Ingram, a 22-year veteran EMT for the Butler County Ambulance Service, was involved in a motorcycle-pickup accident 50 days ago and has been hospitalized ever since. Fundraising began Saturday morning with a roadblock that raised over $1,000. The benefit Saturday night at Butler County Middle School raised about $24,000 to help Ingram and his family with medical expenses.

Jim McDaniel and his family band performed gospel music for the evening, as did Melissa Johnson and family. After a meal of barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, chips and desserts, there was a silent auction. Throughout the event, attendees were able to bid on items placed arranged on various tables throughout the gym. There was a time of prayer for Ron where all joined hands and circled the gym. Afterwards, there was a live auction.

One of the big ticket items of the evening’s live auction was a hand-made knife donated by Mark Cardwell, which brought $475. in a symbol of generosity, some auction winners donated items they won for re-auction.

The event was organized by Paige and Brian McKinney and Christy and Charlie Tomes.