HOWELL – The Howell community came together on Nov. 20 in support of the Wright family and their daughter Maggie, who has been diagnosed with leukemia.
At the Howell Southard Firehouse, chefs Teah Evans and Lisa Baker hosted a benefit dinner, sponsored by numerous local businesses, to help raise money for the Wright family.
A combination of Howell, Freehold, and Wall Township residents joined in the dinner to make it a sold-out event, as they celebrated Maggie and raised money for the family and awareness for her disease. The support from everyone was overwhelming, said Evans. The benefit dinner raised a total of $9,200 for the Wright family, which Evans presented to Richard Wright, Maggie’s father, at the end of the event.
Evans said that she initiated the idea for the benefit dinner, but it was the work of many different individuals that helped it come together so successfully. Donations from local businesses and attendees at the dinner contributed to both the generous gift that the Wright family received and the planning of the evening’s festivities.
The benefit event was a fun and lively evening full of delicious food, live music and incredible performances by The J. Evans Band and The Fred Astaire Dance Team. Donations were also collected through a gift basket auction and ticket sales, at the price of $40 for adults and $10 for children.
“There are no words to describe the love and support we have felt from the Howell community,” read the “Thank You” note from Stephanie, Richard, and Maggie Wright.
“I’m really speechless,” said Richard Wright during an emotional speech at the dinner.
The Wright family would like to thank every person that was a part of this event for their generosity and for helping make the benefit dinner such an incredible experience, including: Teah and Joey Evans; chefs Evans, Lisa Baker, Waldo Collazo, and Lou Smith; Teresa and Mia Castellon; Teresa Dige and family; the mayor of Howell and certain members of the Howell Township Police Department that attended; the Howell PTA; the Howell Southard Firehouse; and the Ladies Zumba Team.
The family would also like to recognize all of the business that generously donated their time or money to the cause, including: Rosario’s Deli, Joey Leones, The Poached Pear Bistro Beach, Prime 13 Steak House, Season Coal Fired Bistro, Art Beins Karate, Red Moon Pizzeria, and the Land O’Pines, Newbury and Middle School North Schools.
Maggie and her family are making great strides with the help of the community not only through this benefit, but also through the fundraiser that the family has created online. This fundraiser has already brought in $6,543 of the $8,000 goal.
