Rippley/Johnson Benefit: Those who gave

James Tatum and Tammi Bennett, both from Friendswood, were not shy about showing off their two-step. Sherry’s Shots On Saturday July 25 citizens from all over the county and some areas of the state came together to raise funds for the Rippley and Johnson families whose children were injured in a car accident in May.

Activities began around noon on Saturday but the work and workers had started much earlier. The Lighthouse Charity Team, out of Friendswood, brought portable trailers which have been custom built by volunteers. This group is a non-profit organization that provides equip- ment and volunteer labor to prepare meals to raise funds for charities. Dozens of their volunteers were on hand all afternoon and into the evening preparing and serving food.

Busy selling tickets for the meals were friends, who all attend Centerville High School, of the injured students.

A silent auction was also part of the fund raising event. Such items as hand made quilts, stained glass, barbecue grills and various other objects were displayed all afternoon to accumulate bids.

The beautiful hand stitched quilt was donated by Robert and Lisa Cawley for the silent auction. Sherry’s Shots At about 6:00 p.m. a traditional auction was conducted offering such items as jerseys from professional ball players, an autographed football and a picture of the Duke himself, John Wayne.

Then to top the day off several musicians played and sang while a few brave souls danced in the parking lot of the Leon County Courthouse. One participant estimated as much as $25,000 was raised for the families, however this amount was not confirmed.
.... .................. • fax 936-349-0954 These Centerville High School friends of the Rippley’s and Johnson’s worked all day selling tickets for food plates. Stormy King, Sky Taylor, Johnathan Watkins, Amber Boren, Candace .................................. Affordable Price” Payne. Sherry’s Shots
Shelly Ecke from Friendswood, hold up this picture of John Wayne for auction. The picture brought $500.00 and Ecke bought it. Sherry’s Shots