Harvest Dinner Successfully Raises Funds for Toys For Tots

Toys 4 Tots chairman Jerry (Shakey) Lynxwiler (left), Fred Aldrich and Tyler Wheeler both of Current River Marine are pictured with Kyle McDowell, Blazer boat raffle winner. McDowell is the owner of McDowell South RV in Jackson, Mo. and is also a property owner in Ripley County. Lynxwiler wishes to thank all of his loyal sponsors for the Harvest Dinner and everyone who purchased a boat raffle ticket this year. Sponsors include Kirby Sawmill, Current River Marine Sales, Top Quality Rentals and Sales, Heartland Furniture, Fat Rats Bar & Grill, Poplar Bluff Farm Equipment, Whisnant's Parts City, Patsy's Daily Convenience, Reed Oil and Taylor's K&E Building Supply.

Jerry Lynxwiler (left) standing with Benny Kelly, Asst. Manager of Doniphan Tractor Supply presented items for the Ripley County Toys for Tots Harvest Dinner. Manager Carie Chapman donated a Red Shed brand king-size durable stained fir wood rocking chair, Red Shed metal bench and Even Embers 4-burner gas grill. All proceeds will be used to purchase items for Ripley County Toys for Tots giveaway. Other items  auctioned off at the Harvest Dinner include several guns. A pulled pork meal was served, the Baker Family performed and a 2023 Blazer boat was raffled off. (Staff photos by Julie Stone)

Auctioneer Grayling Robinson is served by Marsha Stanfill, a 15-year volunteer. Stanfill served the pork prepared by Shannon Jones and Jimmy Foulks. Other volunteers not pictured were Tammy Price and Sandra Stanfill, both with five years of volunteering, served potato salad and cole slaw donated by Gail Johnson, owner of Fat Rats.

The Baker family  performing bluegrass, gospel and classic country music for the benefit dinner entertainment. Left to right: band members Carrie (upright bass), Elijah (guitar), Carina (mandolin) and  Tristin (fiddle).

(Left to right) Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton securing the raffle box while Memphis Thomasson of Doniphan drew the winning ticket for the grand prize and handed to Chairman, Jerry (Shakey) Lynxwiler to announce. Fred Aldrich, of Current River Marine was also present.                               

Left, Grandpa of The Baker family and Jerry Lynxwiler were the special dancers of the night at Harvest dinner.

Christi Kirby arrived just in time at the St. Benedict Parish Hall to purchase the last two raffle tickets at $100 each. In total  225 tickets were available for a chance to take home  a 2023 17-25 Blazer SS bass boat.

Dozens of pies were donated for the harvest dinner auction. Cream pies made by Retired Army Veteran  Jerry Mac Watson were a big hit.

Ella Kovach, age seven performed The Pledge of Allegiance at the harvest dinner. Chairman Jerry Lynxwiler removed cover prior to pledge.

Missouri State Representative Darrell Atchison with Ripley County Presiding Commissioner Jesse Roy tested out a recliner that was donated by Heartland Sales and Rentals for the benefit.

Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton with Stacey Bentsen at the registration table of  Harvest Dinner benefit auction on Oct. 21. Guests signed in and received an auction card number for donated items for Toys for Tots.