"They all have my heart"
Monica Black kneels beside an auction craft at a benefit for her and her family on Saturday evening at the V.F.W. in Plains. Her husband Dustin Black, died in a car crash last September with his brother Denny. The rope around the mirror was Dustin's and hand made by friends of the family.
Hundreds of people came to support the Black family on Saturday night at the V.F.W. in Plains, in the wake of the tragic death of Dustin and Denny Black.
In September of 2010 Dustin and Denny Black, two brothers from Plains, died in a car accident near Hot Springs. Dustin left behind his wife Monica, and four children.
The benefit was organized by friends, family and community members to show their support for Monica Black and her family.
“The community support has been truly amazing. People always stop by my property and make sure I have hay and firewood and just to make sure my kids and I are okay,” said Monica Black. “They all have my heart.”
Friends, family and community members came from Sanders County, but also Stevensville, Bozeman, Belgrade, North Dakota, Idaho, and Washington to show their support for the family.
“It’s great to see the love and support the community has given to our family,” said Debbie Kovar, Dustin and Denny’s mother. “My boys were loved by a lot of people. This turn out shows how much they are missed and how many lives they touched.”
The benefit included a spaghetti dinner, salad, and dessert. There was also a 50/50 raffle, grab bag table and silent auction with a variety of items ranging from local art, log furniture, baked goods, beauty products and hunting accessories. Local businesses also donated items and gift certificates.
“We expected a large turnout, but the number of people who actually came exceeded our expectations,” said Teresa Garrison, an organizer of the event. “I was surprised at how many people still donated money and bid on items, despite this economy.”
“I volunteered to help out with the benefit because Dustin and Denny were friends of our family,” said Rick Oliver, who was taking tickets at the door. “I wanted to help the community and show my support.”
At press time, the amount of money raised from the dinner and auction was still unknown, but all proceeds will go straight to Monica Black and her children.