Toys 4 Tots Harvest Dinner

Monday, October 21, 2024

A record crowd gathered Oct. 19 at the St. Benedict Parish Hall for the Annual Toys 4 Tots Harvest Dinner, and Coordinator Jerry Lynxwiler said end-of-event totals reflected their generous show of support. Early estimate for the evening's proceeds were about $22,500, according to Lynxwiler, who said he couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome. The big ticket item, the Bad Boy mower went for $4,000, and proceeds from the bass boat giveaway are estimated at $7,000. Lynxwiler said, "Everything went really well and there were also some really special moments this year. Our drawing winner for the bass boat was David Johnson. His daughter-in-law, Samantha Reed had purchased his ticket as a birthday gift. "Also, our Ripley County Courthouse quilt was auctioned off and presented to Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton. He will be leaving his position on December 31, so this was a really nice parting gift for him." The annual Toys 4 Tots distribution will take place back at the Parish Hall, Dec. 21.

A record crowd was in attendance at this year's annual event. (By Debra Tune)
Those who attended enjoyed the traditional meal of barbecued pulled pork, catered by Mary's Place restaurant. (By Debra Tune)
Family members of all ages enjoyed the meal. Pictured are Fred Aldrich holding his grandson, Archer, as his mom is giving him a bite of barbecue. (By Debra Tune)
The Baker's Family provided a background of live bluegrass/country music for dining. (By Debra Tune)
Mia Wilson, 9, gets a twirl as she and her grandpa, Dan Wilson, enjoy a dance during the Baker Family performance. (By Debra Tune)
Many businesses and friends donated items to be auctioned. (By Debra Tune)
Mia (left) and Kia Wilson sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," prior to the Bill Beardsley memorial auction. Pictured in a military stance in the background is Greg Crain. (By Debra Tune)
Graylin Robinson begins the auction with a table filled with more than 50 donated baked good items. He is assisted by Larry Casteel, who spotted the bids. (By Debra Tune)
Greg Crain examines a table of more than 25 firearms that were auctioned off during the Harvest Dinner. (By Debra Tune)
Several quilts were also donated for the auction. (By Debra Tune)
Coordinator Jerry Lynxwiler recognized Missouri Senator Jason Bean, whose donation of a pig from the Ripley County Fair market sale provided the barbecue. Bean also was "top gun" bidder in the firearms auction. (By Debra Tune)
Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton was the recipient of a Ripley County Courthouse, which his fiance Stacy-Byrd Bentson purchased for him as a keepsake of his time in office. Sheriff Barton will be handing over his badge at the end of the year. (Photo provided)