One of the biggest fundraising undertakings in the recent history of the city of Howe has seen the heaviest hitters among community leaders step up to the plate to accept the challenge. Leaders of the community from the newest generation and years past met on Thursday afternoon to start the undertaking of the “Save the Church” committee and the work that will go in to renovating the old church on O’Connell Street.
In attendance at the meeting were Monte Walker (facilitator), Dusty Williams, Mary Jo Wrenn, Beverly Martin, Clyde Hepner, Jean and Alton Norman, Linda Wall, Georgia Caraway, Donna and Chuck Pelkey, Dick and Daisie Smithwick, Janie and Harold Finney, Becky Hogenson and Donna Wormsbaker. Officers elected were Jean Norman – president, Beverly Martin – vice president, Georgia Caraway – secretary, Janie Finney – treasurer.
The committee will be formulating the “Save the Church” live auction and silent auction on the evening of November 7.
Keep Howe Beautiful Executive Director Donna Wormsbaker and her KHB members will be hosting an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner for $10 in which the funds will go to beautify the landscaping around the old church building. They received a large donation of 20 briskets from Walmart and resident Brice Harvey has agreed, along with Dick Smithwick, to do the smoking and cooking.
Each committee member is responsible for gathering ten auction items from businesses or residents.
With the exterior of the church about to be completed, the funds raised will finish out the inside with a complete restoration. For those wanting to help monetarily, checks can be made to the Collins Memorial Fund. The donation is 100 percent tax deductible.
