MORR BENEFIT … A large turned out on Friday, February 1 to the Beth Morr Benefit to help raise money and show their support for the Morr family.
By: Chelsie Firestone
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
“It’s a testament to the heart of a small community and what a small community can do,” said Tim Morr as he watched people begin to file in to Stryker School’s Multi-Purpose room where the Beth Morr Benefit, held in his wife’s honor, was held on Friday, February 1 just prior to the Stryker vs. Fayette boys basketball game.
And it was a large testament. What started as a small line of people waiting to enter the room soon became two long lines that wrapped through the hallways of StrykerSchool. “Believing With Beth” t-shirts and bracelets, both of which were available for purchase at the benefit, were worn by many to show their on-going support for the third grade Stryker school teacher who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and who also awaits confirmation of a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
All proceeds from the benefit went directly to the Morr family to help pay for medical and other expenses and those in attendance were given a variety of ways in which they could show their support. Almost all enjoyed the free-will donation hog roast dinner and many participated in the raffle as well as bought t-shirts and bracelets honoring the cause. Over 150 items donated by area merchants and individuals, many of them anonymously, were available to be bid on at silent auction. Also available were baked goods being sold by the Stryker cheerleaders.
Morr, herself in attendance despite her on-going treatment for the cancer, maintains the positive attitude and belief in a good prognosis that the t-shirts worn that night symbolized and remains grateful. “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support,” she said as she looked out over the crowd. “I’m just so thankful.”
It was a sentiment echoed by Morr’s friend, Elaine Aguilar, who worked with several of Morr’s other friends to organize the benefit. “Putting it together was easy,” Aguilar commented. “Once I got started, the whole community came together and everything fell into place. Everyone wanted to help. We’re all thankful for everyone’s support.”