Community hosts benefit on New Year's Eve

Summer Crosby

On New Year’s Eve, a large group of residents from Superior and from the surrounding county gathered to celebrate and bring in the New Year. With lots of food, dancing, fun and people, one couldn’t ask for a better way to bring in the New Year. Yet, on New Year’s Eve, at the Rockin Rodeo, several residents found just that. Not only were they celebrating the coming of the New Year, but they were also coming together to raise money for Alvin Meeks, who is slated to undergo a kidney transplant and needed help with the expenses of medical bills.

“The outpouring of the community is just overwhelming,” Meeks said. He struggled to find the words to explain his gratitude, while his hand went over his heart. “To see everyone come together like this, you just don’t see this anywhere anymore. I’ve lived here 48 years and I just can’t express what it means. I just want to thank everyone for coming out and the proceeds are greatly appreciated. So thank you everyone.”

The benefit took place at the Rockin Rodeo in Superior and began at 5:30 p.m. with a spaghetti supper with pasta, lettuce and bread on the side. There was also dessert, karaoke, dancing and a silent auction, a variety of items donated by local individuals and businesses.

Chuck Case was just one of several who attended the event and placed bids on the items. Case said it didn’t matter what he won as that wasn’t the point. He was just there to support his friend and neighbor. His wife and Alvin were classmates throughout school, so Case said he’d known Alvin since his high school days.

“Anytime I can help somebody, count me in,” he said. “I’m there.”

Ray Rugg said he also came out to support Alvin, calling the event a “great idea.”

“I think we should have a lot more of these,” he said.

Phil Donally said that he couldn’t have picked a better way to start off the New Year.

“Look at the crowd,” he said, “this is great. Everything thing is just great. The food was wonderful, the people are wonderful. This is a good start to the New Year so far. With 19:00 hours to go, we have all kinds of time.”