The Duncan Banner

Local News

April 20, 2009

V-A Beta Club steps up to help fire victims

More than spaghetti to be served

Derrick Miller

VELMA — VELMA — On April 9, fires destroyed 15 homes in the Velma community. The following Monday, members of the Velma-Alma Beta Club knew they had to help those in need.

V-A Beta Club Advisor Denise Thompson said, “Our kids wanted to do something to help. They came in that Monday and said ‘We have to do something.’”

The quick-acting students brainstormed and developed the idea of having a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the 12 students and one staff member who lost their homes in the fires. The spaghetti dinner will go from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the school district’s safe room.

Thompson said the event will also feature many things beyond spaghetti. For instance, the club is sponsoring a cake walk and the elementary classes will have themed baskets for a silent auction. There will also be a dunk tank, which has many people willing to take a dive, including V-A Superintendent Jerry Garrett.

While the event might be a service project for the Beta Club, the helping hands extend far beyond the high school hallways.

“The whole school is helping,” Thompson said.

She said teachers have donated group beef and a business donated garlic bread for the occasion. Putting on the benefit dinner will accrue only a minimal amount of out-of-pocket expenses, Thompson said.

By having the majority of the benefit paid for outside of the Beta Club, most of the money raised will be able to go to the students and the teacher.

“Almost everything we’re using has been donated,” she said.

Thompson said everyone has taken an interest in the project because of the concern for the students.

“The kids basically lost everything they’ve had,” she said.

Among the items lost to fire were the cap and gown belonging to a senior. These items were replaced by the cap and gown company.

While people can buy tickets at the door for a set cost, there are other ways people can give for the cause. A donation box will be set up at the benefit.

People can also mail donations to the V-A Beta Club at P.O. Box 8, Velma, OK 73491. Thompson said people should specify that the funds are for the benefit.

She said she is excited about the program because it will be another demonstration of the Velma community coming together in spite of hardships.

The Beta Club students were just an example.

“They’re good kids,” Thompson said.

Text Only
Local News
  • DALC gets grant from Dollar General

    Duncan Area Literacy Council will be able to buy some more curriculum for its program with a $3,000 grant it was awarded by Dollar General Literacy Foundation this week.

    May 23, 2012

  • Library prepares for summer reading program

    It might be called a reading program, but there will be far more to do this summer at the Duncan Public Library than just reading.

    May 23, 2012

  • Fame Academy students Nathan Self, Mallory Anderson, Hayden James, Keeton Ruiz, Brianna Coria, Jordan Abbe, Stefeno Ruiz, Adam Baldwin and Leroy Newcomb show off the mural they helped create at the school. They’re gonna live forever

    Through art, the students of Fame Academy made a colorful impression on the town of Meridian.

    May 23, 2012 2 Photos

  • Empire FFA chapter holds awards banquet

    Empire FFA held its annual awards banquet May 8 with a buffet provided by FFA families and the entire chapter.

    May 23, 2012

  • Council discusses property buffer for hotel

    To counteract the removal of a buffer of trees, the Duncan City Council on Tuesday approved a site development plan for the Apollo Estates to create a new kind of buffer.

    May 23, 2012

  • Commission tables water district items

    The board of Stephens County Commissioners tabled bids on two services for the Stephens County Rural Water District 4 for the second consecutive week at the request of the water district.

    May 22, 2012

  • Weekend storm left many in area without power

    The city at large lit up Sunday morning around 8 a.m., with lightning strikes illuminating areas for a split-second at a time.

    May 22, 2012

  • Fire department fundraiser raises more than $12,000

    The Duncan Fire Department raised more than $12,500 during its Fill the Boot fundraiser May 17-18. Funds go to the Muscle Dystrophy Association in Wichita Falls and helps local patients.

    May 22, 2012

  • Dean Backr, left, and Joseph Lujan Carnival crews

    Warmer weather and school letting out means more time for fun in the sun. One of the season’s first opportunities is with the Duncan Lion’s Club Carnival.

    May 22, 2012 2 Photos

  • Arrest made in hit and run

    A Marlow man is in police custody after admitting to law enforcement he was involved with a hit-and-run accident that left the victim with major injuries.

    May 22, 2012