More than $20,000 was raised last week for an Intercounty Electric worker who was seriously injured in a work-related accident in Mountain Grove.
Mike Conner and his wife, Christina, and their 18-month-old daughter, Brooklyn, benefited from the event, which drew more than 300 to the Intercounty Electric Cooperative Auditorium. Conner’s injuries resulted in permanent paralysis from the chest down.
Conner shared his appreciation for everything that has been done to help him and his family through their ordeal. He expressed his gratitude for the support he received from fellow co-workers and said it is a gift that holds no monetary value. The family that is formed within the cooperative’s workplace is priceless, he said.
Organizer said the success of the fund-raiser could not have been made possible without the generosity of businesses and individuals from all of the towns within Intercounty’s boundaries: From as far north as St. James and Rolla and everyplace in between to his hometown of Summersville.
The evening’s functions consisted of a silent auction, as well as a live auction lasting until 10:30 p.m. Auctioneers Rick Dixon, Darren Scheets, Joe Cartwright and Lynn Sheppard donated their services to move along the large quantity of donated items.
Intercounty General Manager Dwayne Cartwright raised $300 from employees by offering his face as a pie catcher. As an added bonus, a fellow employee paid $100 to decorate the face of purchasing agent Ron Frey.
The raffle for the Remington 12 gauge model 870 Black Synthetic Gun was won by Allan Branstetter and donated back to the auction. Bill Huskey purchased the gun and donated it again. It finally found its owner, Johnny Mitchell. The raffle for a Bombardier DS250 four-wheeler is still ongoing. Tickets can be purchased from Intercounty employees. The drawing for the four-wheeler is June 27 at the Intercounty annual picnic.
Dinner was provided and a Kids Zone playground area with face painting and games were available for children.