LANDIS ó Jason Ritchie has learned that putting on a fundraiser is a lot of work.
But he has a lot of reasons for doing itó three, to be exact. Their names are Grant, Harrison and Ella, and they’re the children of Deona and Carl Doby.
Jason and his wife, Jenni, were classmates with Deona. Four and half years ago, Carl was diagnosed with leukemia. He’s having a bone marrow transplant in June.
His friends ó with Jason leading the charge ó have planned a barbecue chicken dinner next Saturday, May 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Landis, 108 W. Rice St., beside Corriher-Lipe Middle School.
Plates will be served beginning at 11 a.m. Cost for tickets is a minimum donation of $8, and walk-ins are welcome. Delivery is available for orders of 10 or more.
Jenni and her girlfriends wanted to do something to help the family, Jason says. “Me being the kind of person I am, I jumped on it and made it happen.”
Some of the others assisting him on the committee of about 10 people are Scott Blackledge, David Lipe and Becky Bost.
Jason gives a special shout-out to the wives. “They helped give us the vision,” he says.
That vision includes the raffle of a Remington 11-87 Super Magnum, which according to Jason is a dang good rifle. Tickets are $25 each for 5 for $100. He’ll also be raffling a set of four tires, including mount and balance, the day of the fundraiser.
“It’s been a big endeavor,” Jason admits. “I’ve never done anything of this magnitude.”
But he’s inspired by the Doby children.
The oldest child, Grant, wants to become a minister. For Easter, he asked for a new Bible.
For the flyer, Jason chose the Bible verse of John 3:16.
“Every time I see this verse, I think of you,” he told Grant.
The 10-year-old hugged him and said, “Thank you so much for what you’re doing for my family.”
That’s all the encouragement Jason needed.
“We all said it could be us in this predicament and we wanted to help,” Jason says.
Carl had worked with the Rev. Jarrod Lanning, pastor of Trinity.
“Jarred told us to make it our home,” says Jason, a member of Concordia Lutheran.
Trinity, Concordia and Ebenezer Lutheran churches have all contributed to the project through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent is giving supplemental funds through its Southwest Rowan County chapter. All of the food and supplies have been donated by local businesses and families, so all proceeds go directly to the Doby family.
Jason’s goal for next Saturday is to raise between $12,000 and $15,000.
“Is it gonna happen?” he says. “I don’t know. Anything over 10 grand, I’ll be happy.”
He does note that he collected $1,600 in one week to help with the family’s gas and grocery bills.
“It’s amazing how people don’t think Christianity is alive in Rowan County,” Jason says. “It’s alive. It’s alive and well.”
To order tickets, call Jason Ritchie at 704-856-1342 or Scott Blackledge at 704-856-0912. You may leave your ticket order at either number. Donations to the Carl Doby Fund may also be made at any F&M branch through the Grace Baptist Church account. All donations are tax deductible.