About two months ago, our 21-year-old granddaughter, Hailie Klark was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumor. She underwent surgery in Pittsburgh to remove as much of the mass as possible. There were areas that could not be removed and radiation therapy, along with a couple clinical trials were ordered.

The treatments are being done in Philadelphia, and Hailie, along with her parents, have had to move there temporarily.

A benefit was planned to raise funds in order to help with expenses.

The “Haulin for Hailie” benefit was orchestrated by Wendy MacQueen, and included a dice run with almost three hundred people participating, raffle tickets for eight great prizes, basket raffles, and more.

Many local businesses and individuals donated some great prizes for the raffle, and our wonderful volunteers donated their time and energy.

The event was a huge success, with over four hundred people attending the dinner and drawings, at the Eagles club on Saturday, July 23.

It is actually overwhelming that so many people were able to do so much.

We had lots of folks come up to us and just hand us money. Some people told us to put Hailie’s name on the tickets that they were buying, and some donated their winnings back to her.

After two plus years of COVID-19 grief and restrictions, lost jobs, and a worsening economy, our small town stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam.

There was a tremendous amount of money raised to help offset some of the expenses, and my family and I, want to personally thank everyone that contributed.

The City of Warren Police department, Warren County Sheriff’s department, and State police, all did a great job controlling traffic and directing the flow of the dice run that started at Bent Run Brewing

We should all be very proud of our small town with such a big heart, I know I am.

#HUG YOUR KID

#SPREAD SOME LOVE

Jim Klark is a Warren resident.