Benefit dinner and auction to support McDonald, Oakes families is tonight

By Brandon Hurley
Managing Editor
news@beeherald.com

The community continues to pull together in light of tragedy.

A local group of supporters is hosting a fundraiser from from 5-8 p.m. Monday, March 7 at the Greene County Fairgrounds with proceeds benefitting the McDonald and Oakes families.
Donated funds may threaten to touch six figures when the dust finally settles, with more than 75 items already donated as of last week.
The late Harley McDonald, who was 15 at the time, passed away Jan. 14 at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City following a battle with a number of injuries he sustained in a crippling New Year’s Day fire.

A rural cabin roughly five miles north of Scranton went up in flames the morning of Jan. 1, believed to be caused by a wood-burning stove. The Greene County sheriff’s office was notified of two juveniles at the hospital in Carroll at 3:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Lucas Oakes, the other boy staying at the cabin that night who helped evacuate McDonald from the burning structure. Oakes spent a week at the hospital in Iowa City with a handful of burns, but is now home.
Nearly 500 people attended McDonald’s funeral Jan. 24 at the Scranton Community Center, showing support with thoughts and prayers as well as with several burnouts prior to the funeral procession.
The fire and McDonald’s tragic death have garnered interest across the state. He endured numerous surgeries and grueling nights of recovery during his two week stay in the hospital before eventually passing.  
Amy Crouse is one of the five committee members who is helping organize Monday’s benefit. Her oldest son was a close friend of Harley’s while the McDonald sisters ride horses often at the Crouse property. The connection to the McDonald family drove Amy to step in and help.

“It was pretty much it needed to happen type of deal,” Crouse said.

She’s been one of the key contributors on the McDonald/Oakes Benefit Care Page on Facebook, a site which has published hundreds of posts since the New Year’s Day fire. Crouse has shared updates from Harley’s mom, Nina as well as a number of details on the upcoming dinner.

The community support for the silent auction as well as a wave of well wishes has been uplifting, Crouse said.

“It’s been humbling to realize how wonderful of a community we live in,” she said. “If you reach out, given the proper resources, you’re able to reach so many people.”

Crouse said the Facebook page has even drawn interest from people in Rhode Island. The page, as of Tuesday afternoon, had garnered 2,800 followers.

“Sometimes, the comments get a little too much (to keep up),” Crouse said. “I couldn’t read all of them.”
That overwhelming response has been vital during the planning stages of the benefit. Crouse said the event was recently in need of baked goods for dessert, only to receive inquiries for more than 50 dozens cupcakes and goodies in less than a day.

The Greene County Pork Producers and the Greene County Cattlemen will serve the meal Monday during the silent auction, grilling up pork patties and hamburger patties along with a side of baked beans, chips and a dessert.
Only cash or checks will be accepted for the silent auction, which will feature the nearly 100 items donated by community members. Bank accounts have also been set up at all the Greene County People’s Bank locations.
The online portion of the auction – which began Sunday, Feb. 27 and closes Sunday, March 6 – is for items the committee believes have a draw outside of Greene County, which includes mainly motocross – one of Harley’s passions – and items related to trucking.

The online auction, which closed Sunday evening, brought in a staggering total of $6,831 in a week.
The enthusiasm for Monday’s event has been building for months, which may, in some way, double as a coping mechanism for the families.

“I think it helps to see the support,” Crouse said. “Nina (Harley’s mom), wants people to share those stories they have of him. That was their son. They loved him. Any time you can keep his spirit alive, it helps with the healing process, in my opinion.”

Checks for the event can be made payable to McDonald-Oakes Benefit. Monday’s meal is available by free-will donation. Carry-out orders will be offered, but supporters must bring their own take out dish.