In small communities the sense of togetherness is found at every turn. You see each other often whether it is at the grocery store, on the street, or at the hockey rink. You become more than just acquaintances and find yourselves caring about each other. It becomes a unique bond only found in small communities.
This bond is strengthened when something positive happens in the community; but, can be even more evident when disaster strikes.
When members of a community are faced with adversity, it becomes something that everyone takes on as a challenge to overcome together.
In August, a fire raged at a house in Manor. This destructive force would change Gerald and Joretta King's lives forever. The King's home would be completely destroyed by fire, smoke, and, finally, by water as the fire was extinguished.
The home was completely written off and the King's, who were raised in Manor, would find themselves surrounded by a loving community willing to help in any way possible.
They began the grueling task of documenting all of their items and dealing with the insurance company, as they mourned the loss of their home.
About 10 days after the fire six individuals decided to gather the community to hold a benefit for the King's. As they contacted others from the community, soon countless volunteers were recruited and donations for silent auction items and raffle items came in quickly.
This is one of the best parts of living in a small community; someone is always there to lend a hand.
"Everybody pulls together," Karen Fischer, one of the organizers explained.
Therefore, on Saturday, Sept. 21, 271 individuals rallied together for Gerald and Joretta.
The chili and stew supper was donated by many people in the community, each bringing a pot of something delicious, while others brought buns and pies.
Countless local performers took to the stage entertaining the amassed crowd, turning a benefit into a night of friendship.
Together they were able to raise $13,229 through an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.
"It went really well!" Teresa Fox, an organizer, exclaimed. "We got everyone fed, which, we had planned for 200 and had 271, so we lucked out"
When Joretta was asked if she would have ever expected anything of this magnitude from the community, she smiled widely and shook her head amazed: "Nothing like this, no, it's pretty overwhelming."
Nearly speechless Joretta was able to express her appreciation to the community.
"This is an awesome community," she exclaimed. "I have awesome friends and am very lucky."
The King's are extremely appreciative of living in a community like Manor and the surrounding area where they have found some solace in knowing there are people in their corner through this difficult time.
Though an emotional night, everyone wore smiles knowing that Gerald and Joretta would be back on their feet; that such a devastating occurrence could not keep the King's down, and with the support of friends and family all will eventually be well.
