Fundraiser brought in $7500 for the family of deceased Army veteran
(Talk of the Town photos provided) Above, 20 teams competed in a cornhole tournament at a fundraiser held last Saturday for deceased Army veteran Wesley Smith. The event raised $7500 for Smith's final expenses. Below, a quilt donated by Elaine Rider was one of many items donated by local individuals and businesses that was auctioned off during the event.
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A hog roast, silent auction, corn hole tournament and Huckleberry Blue Concert was held last Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the Whitley County Shrine Grounds to celebrate the life of Wesley Smith. 
“The generosity of the community was overwhelming,” said Angela Hoffman, one of the event coordinators.
In addition to the 60 items from local businesses donated to the silent auction, over 300 members of the community attended the event. During the event Duane and Diana Smith, parents of the fallen soldier, were presented $500 check from the Churubusco American Legion Post 157. Committee members were pleased to present Smith's family with $7000 Sunday afternoon, bringing the total amount raised to $7500.
Committee members expressed their sincere gratitude to the donors, workers and many participants for helping make this event a successful tribute to a local soldier and Whitley County native.
Smith, the son of Duane and Diana Smith and husband of Caroline Cripe, was an Iraqi war veteran who served in the US Army. He was a 2004 graduate of Columbia City High School.
Committee members who helped with the fundraiser included Jake Van Voorst, Angela Hoffman, Jason Taulbee, Stephanie Zumbrun, Brad Zumbrun, Adam Geiger and Chris Huffman.
Volunteers helping with the event on Saturday included John & Karen Van Voorst, Meredith Hoffman, Zack Zumbrun, Stephanie Dustin, Josh Van Voorst, Abby Nelsh, Linda Arnold & family, Jeff Ormsby and Mike & Cindy Huffman.