By CALLA HAVILAND
Moapa Valley Progress
A fundraiser was held on behalf of the John and Diana Clark family of Bunkerville on March 16 at the Bunkerville Park. The goal of the event was to assist the family in paying medical bills for their six year-old daughter Raynie who was recently diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She currently has to travel to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for many of her treatments.
“Ever since Raynie was little she has always carried a sassy attitude with her,” said Raynie’s sister Kinlee Haviland. “Although she may be going through a tough time her sassy attitude and personality has never faded and that is my favorite thing about her. She is one tough little girl and has shown us so much strength and courage.”
Many community members donated time and items to help with the fundraiser. Food available for purchase included tacos, snowcones, popcorn, dutch oven cobbler and many other desserts. There was a kids raffle with toys, face painting, potato sack races, a bounce house and many more games to entertain all. Many items and services were donated from local businesses and individuals that were auctioned to attendees. A few hundred people came from all around the Virgin Valley community to support Raynie and her family.
When asked what is significant about the Clark family that makes others want to help, fundraiser attendee Danny Allen said, “They are such great people. I have been friends with them for years! It’s fun to see a community come together. It doesn’t matter what church, school or town they’re in, they all just want to come and help.”
Diana Clark expressed gratitude to those who participated.
“Friends, we are so grateful and blessed,” she said addressing the crowd. “So many have given so much in just this short time. We are just 12 weeks in to this journey. From every penny to every kind word you have carried us through. I know a lot of work has gone into this. We look forward to the day we can pay it forward. Thank you all for being the rainbow in our storm!”
