Fundraiser planned to support injured Reserve Deputy Adam Schrader
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Late at night while most residents of Whitley County were asleep, reserve deputy Adam Schrader was hurriedly responding to a call in rural Whitley County when the unthinkable happened.
He lost control of his squad car, crashed and was injured very seriously.
His family rushed to his bedside and the community surrounded him in prayer. Weeks later, he's devoted his full energy to recovery as medical bills mount, as well as other expenses...maintaining a home, vehicle and all those things continue to be an expense in one's life.
He's given his all -- and now we need to give back to someone who nearly gave his life for Whitley County.
"His whole family has been there to protect our community," said longtime family friend Cheryl McDevitt, citing not only Adam Schrader's long, volunteer commitment to local law enforcement, but also that of his father a former Sheriff, his uncle, Joel Lemon, who is a state trooper and his grandfather, Dean Lemon, who was a state trooper.
"His mom, Cathy, and I were classmates in high school and we've known Mike forever," McDevitt said. "I go to church with his grandparents, Dean and Ann Lemon, so I'm real close to them. I admire them immensely -- they're good people."
"I just felt a need to help them out," McDevitt said. "They've been so good to our community."
McDevitt has kept up on Schrader's recovery from severe brain injuries and she watched in sadness as his sister asked for financial help on television. Then, something in her sparked and an idea sprang forth.
"I wondered if someone was going to do something here and I though, 'Do it yourself," she said, "so I am."
McDevitt immediately called fellow CCHS Class of 1973 classmates, of which Schrader's mother is a member, and asked for their support. Friends Leslie Gamble, Betty Overdeer, Valerie Rouch and Amy Herron all quickly offered to help.
The result of their planning is a benefit dinner for Adam Schrader on Saturday, May 8, at Grace Lutheran Church on Main Street in Columbia City. From 4-7 p.m. that night, McDevitt and as many volunteers as she can find will serve heaping piles of spaghetti, bread, salad and desserts. Admission will be $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 10 and under.
There will also be a silent auction.
"We'll take anything that any business or person would be interested in donating," McDevitt said. "It's getting to be summertime, so maybe garden shovels, hoses, a basket of kids toys, movie tickets and popcorn...really anything anybody can think of...big or small."
"I know that as a reserve deputy, he doesn't get paid and those medical bills are mounting," McDevitt said. "They need help. Even if you have insurance, it just doesn't cover everything. They put out a call for help and they need it. Just traveling back and forth to the hospital is an expense." There will be other expenses as well as long as he is not at work and bringing home a paycheck. McDevitt doesn't have a fundraising goal in mind -- but she hopes residents will dig deep to help the family.
"Just to see the community come out and support one of our finest -- who protects us," McDevitt said, her voice breaking a little.
For more information about donating items or to sign up to help volunteer during the dinner, call Cheryl McDevitt at 244-3358 or contact her via e-mail kdcl@peoplepc.com
To continue keeping up with Adam Schrader's recovery, click here.