Fund-raiser for Parsons family nets over $9,000
A few hundred people showed their support Saturday afternoon by attending a benefit for a family that was recently hurt in a car accident.
Jim Frock knew he wanted to hold a benefit for the Parsons family as soon as he heard about the accident. It was not until three weeks ago that the plan developed into a large party that involved live music and food.
The father, David, was critically injured and his and son, Trey, was fatally injured in a traffic accident on Oct. 15.
David was a shrimper on Pine Island since 1989, when he first moved to the area.
“It ain’t about me,” Frock said about the event. “It’s about all the commercial fishermen who donated food.”
David’s wife, Bobbie, was overwhelmed by the support they received from the community.
“It is absolutely amazing,” she said. “You don’t know how many friends you have until something happens.”
Frock said they had collected $2,500 from ticket sales at the gate by 2:30 p.m. and he expected a lot more people to show up as the afternoon went on. A total of $9,350 was reportedly raised during the event.
In addition to the money donated, Pine Island Food Pantry volunteer Patti Gulliver said a lot of people brought canned food items with them on Saturday, which gave them a discount on their admission.
“It has been incredibly heartfelt,” Gulliver said about the support from the community.
Frock said he wanted to thank all the people that came out on Saturday to support the family. He said the owner of Bert’s Bar, Bernard Johnson, and his staff were instrumental in the benefit Saturday because of their permit that allowed all the food to be sold.
“I want to thank all the generous people from Pine Island,” Frock said.
The event kicked off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with the “Amazing Grace” and “Star Spangled Banner” sung, which was followed by a fly-by from the Sheriff’s Department.
“There was not a dry eye in the place,” Frock said.
As the adults sat in chairs enjoying each other’s company, the kids ran around playing catch and having a good time during the benefit.
Pete and Carol Brasington, who are new residents of the area, brought their lawn chairs and found a spot near the stage to listen to the music Saturday afternoon. They said although they do not know the family, they decided to attend the event because they thought it would be a nice time.
“The most important thing is the local community supporting the family,” Carol said.
Pete agreed in saying that the best part about the event is that the family benefits.
They both enjoyed the atmosphere, food, beer and live music that the event provided.
Joni Houser also attended the event to show her support for the family although she has never met them before.
“It’s a community event,” she said about why she came out. “I wanted to support it. It is always good when the community gets together and supports the locals.”
Houser also loved everything about the event, especially the music.
“There are no words to express how thankful we are,” Bobbie said. “Thanks to everyone so much.”