Coming together

This Sunday, community members are encouraged to come together to support a local couple going through a hard time. That day, Gatherings 43 in Denmark will host a special benefit fundraiser for Eric and Beck Laundrie featuring food, fun, prizes and lots of opportunities to support a couple who have given so much for their community. Last week, we spoke with two of the events organizers to get a better understanding of what's in store and how it came to be.

Eric and Beck Laundrie have owned and operated Hardware Hank Denmark for just over a year now. In that time, they have helped out with and given to numerous community initiatives. In a short amount of time, they became known for their generosity and commitment to the greater Denmark community and those in need. When Eric was involved with in a work-related accident that resulted in spinal fractures, many community members sprang into action to find ways to help just as Eric and Beck had done for others so many times.

Enter Jenny Gill and several other dedicated community members. After initially reaching out and coming together through the Denmark Helping Denmark Facebook page, a group of caring citizens began meeting to brainstorm what they could do to help. Gill explains they originally planned to host a simple brat fry near Main Street Market and the much larger benefit that is planned for Sunday "just kind of blossomed from there".

What organizers have now put together is a multi-faceted fundraiser event with all proceeds going to Eric and Beck to help them with the extensive medical bills. On Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., supporters are asked to come out to Gatherings 43 for fun activities, great entertainment and opportunities to win a variety of prizes. The Musical Brass will perform their polka hits starting at 1 p.m. and a dunk tank outside will give attendees the opportunity to soak a number of local figures including "Tv Tommy" Van Groll, Toby Olsen, Mike Johnson and Bill Jartz. Jartz will also provide his hosting skills as the announcer for numerous prize raffles. An extensive bucket raffle will feature a wide range of donated prizes including something for everyone. There will also be 50/50 raffles with drawings at 2 p.m. and 5 and a paddle wheel with even more prizes. Fry-out fare including brats and hamburgers will be available throughout the day as well as homemade booyah from local chefs and a bake sale. For the kids, there will be plenty of games to enjoy as well as face painting. 

Village of Denmark Trustee Brandon Ackley, who was also involved with organizing the event said there is "going to be a lot there for the whole family" and that it has been "awesome to see our community come together for a couple that have done so much for others". Jenny Gill reiterated Ackley's sentiments stating "it is awesome how everyone has come together" and noted that "it definitely takes a village". The benefit will kick off at 11 a.m. this Sunday and continue until 5 p.m. Please consider stopping out to support!