Benefit dinner to raise money for Bruceton victims

KINGWOOD — People of Preston County are coming together to raise money for the families of four Preston High students involved in an accident Feb. 6.
A benefit dinner and raffle will be from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. March 16 at the Bruceton Fire Hall. T-shirts and bracelets supporting the families will also be sold. The dinner will be $10 for adults and $7 for children 8 and younger.
It is being organized by a group of volunteers.
“We have had just a huge outpouring from the community, of people who are donating baskets, all these different things,” organizer Mandi Hall said.
For example, a caterer donated 300 meals, “and that’s just kind of the tip of the iceberg.”
Tickets for raffle items worth more than $300, including a set of Garth Brook concert tickets, a two-person rafting trip and a fire ring, will sell for more than other raffle tickets.
“It’s just amazing everything that the community is trying to do for these families,” Hall said. “I’ve never been more proud to be a part of this community.”
The group has had hundreds of shares on Facebook, where its page is called “Fundraiser For Bruceton Boys … Power in Prayer and Unity.” Hall said her post alone was shared more than 750 times.
Most of the food, utensils, banners and other materials for the dinner are being donated. Still needed are ingredients for salads and a few other things.
Donations can be left at Preston High, Terra Alta/East Preston School, Rowlesburg School, West Preston, Pizza Pro in Bruceton and the Bruceton Pharmacy.
All the money raised will go to the families of the students. All were injured in the accident when the car they were in hit standing water, left the road and hit a tree. One boy died from his injuries.
The accident hits home for many people, said Hall, who has children attending PHS. The families of the boys need continued support and prayers, she said.
Police have not released the names of the teens because they are minors.