Benefit raises $45k

“Amazing” is the word is being used to describe the Riley Shadle Benefit held at the Donley County Activity Center last Saturday, January 23.

Benefit organizer Chandra Wright estimates about 2,000 people attended the event, which raised more than $45,000 to help with the expenses of the Clarendon High School senior who suffered a severe neck injury during the Broncos v. Lockney football game last fall.

With donations still coming in, the evidence continues to strengthen the view that Clarendon and her Texas Panhandle neighbors are a very close and supportive of each other.

“For me, I didn’t set a goal for us,” Wright said. “But we way past the expectations of anybody.”

Donations for the live and silent auction at the event came in from all over, and more examples of goodwill are still coming in, including a special fundraising event February 22 in Amarillo.

“The Blue Sky Café will hold a Riley benefit on that day,” Wright said. “They are giving 20 percent of the sales that day to help Riley.”

She said people in Amarillo, Pampa, Wheeler, and elsewhere already knew Riley’s story and were eager to help. And other volunteers gladly helped, particularly one Clarendon celebrity.

“Kenny King was awesome,” she said. “He and his wife, Wanda, came and just stayed and didn’t leave until it was over. It was brilliant.”

Wright was particularly impressed with the Bronco football team and cheerleaders who showed up to serve food and didn’t leave until the event was over.

“It’s just breathtaking to see people come out and take part in a benefit like that for riley. It was such a blessing, and there were lots of tears, I can tell you that,” she said.

Wright particularly noted the help from her husband Bobby, Keith and Beverly Taylor of Pampa, and Mandy Roberts for helping organize the benefit. Meat for the event was cooked by Bobby Wright, D.J. Edwards, Jeremy Hicks, Tony Herrera, Keith Taylor, and Kevin Winget.

“They worked their tails off,” Wright said.

Riley’s grandfather, Jim Shadle, took the microphone following the live auction to thank the crowd.

“We praise God every day,” he told the crowd. “Riley’s getting better everyday. God does amazing things everyday. This family is so blessed because of you guys and people beyond you guys. It’s so encouraging that people love people.”

Charles Clinton and the Optimistics and the Texas Pearl Snaps provided musical entertainment for the evening, and many other people volunteered and participated.

“We just appreciate everyone for the help and heart and spirit,” Wright said.