CARL JUNCTION, Mo. —
The estimated 1,000 area residents who packed Carl Junction High School on Friday night may have broken the $15,000 mark in their fundraising efforts for the Washburn family of Asbury.
According to Shirley Wehmeyer, treasurer of the Carl Junction Band Boosters, the event has raised $14,418.85 so far, and some money is still being collected.
“We were still trying to collect some of the winning money from a few of the silent auctions,” Wehmeyer said. “I think we will break $15,000 from the fundraiser after we collect that money.”
The event was organized to raise money for the Washburn family. John Washburn, his wife, Deborah, and daughters Abby, 19, Samantha, 13, and Karli, 12, were involved in a head-on collision in January on Interstate 44 in Jasper County.
John Washburn, 58, died in the crash. His three daughters and wife all suffered serious injuries and have been hospitalized since the crash. Abby Washburn graduated from Carl Junction High School, and her two sisters are enrolled in Carl Junction schools.
Wehmeyer said the boosters were not planning on the massive turnout.
“I was impressed with the extreme generosity of the community,” she said. “When we brainstormed our first meeting, we had no idea we could have gotten to this point. It’s overwhelming and heartwarming to be a part of it.”
An additional fundraiser for the family is in the works for Saturday, April 6, at Gambino’s Pizza at 1203 Pennell St. in Carl Junction. The event is being put on by the Carl Junction Alumni Association and will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission will be $6.
Want to help?
Donations to the Washburn family may be made at any area Arvest Bank under the family’s name.
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