Sunday afternoon, friends, family and members of the community gathered at Ranch 82 in Whitesboro for a fundraiser benefiting Sadler resident Christopher Reeves.
On June 25, Reeves, a professional rock hauler, was transporting a dump truck full of 78,000 pounds of dirt from the rock quarry on FM 2383 when a pick-up truck in oncoming traffic swerved into his lane.
Despite his best efforts, Reeves was unable to avoid the head-on collision, and his truck rolled and flipped twice. Although he was wearing a seat belt, he broke free from the belt and “bounced around the truck like a ping pong ball.”
“It’s a miracle he’s still alive,” Chris’s ex-wife, Karen Reeves, said.
Chris Reeves sustained numerous injuries in the accident. The other driver died in the crash.
Realizing Chris would have a long road ahead of him, Karen decided to coordinate a benefit to help offset medical costs and help pay bills while he’s out of work.
“In a small town, everybody supports everybody,” Karen Reeves said. “I thought, Chris has a long road ahead of him – I don’t know how long, but if he’s out of work, he’s going to need help. It’s amazing how many people in your small community will step up to help.”
Karen Reeves made a few phone calls. Having displayed craft items at Kim Kenney’s Ranch 82 markets in the past, Karen reached out to Kenney to see about holding a benefit at the popular event venue.
“She gave me a great deal on the venue. Kim’s good as gold,” Karen said.
Next, she reached out to Renegade Country Band, whom she knew from church. They were happy to donate their time and talent to create a fun atmosphere for the benefit.
“You couldn’t ask for a better group of folks,” Karen said of the band.
Chris and Karen’s daughter made flyers for the event. Friends Coley and Tina Wade donated pork butts, which Karen cooked, and (with a few phone calls) local businesses and community members were donating items for a silent auction.
The fundraiser was held on July 28 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. For just $15 per plate, people could enjoy pulled pork sandwiches, sliced sausage, potato salad, mashed potatoes, corn casserole and dessert as well as sweet and unsweet tea.
Tables lined along the walls featured a variety of items that had been donated for a silent auction, ranging from wreaths and home decor to coolers and gift certificates from local businesses.
While Karen Reeves is still gathering the total from the fundraiser, she’s thrilled with the outcome.
“I’m so grateful to everyone that helped out,” she said. “Without good friends and family, I couldn’t have pulled it off.”
Chris and Karen were married for 15 years before they divorced, but they talk on a daily basis.
“We might be divorced, but we’re still friends,” Karen Reeves said. “If the situation was reversed, he would have done the same for me.”
Chris’s recovery ahead includes multiple back surgeries and possible shoulder surgery, not to mention the psychological recovery of experiencing such an ordeal. The funds raised at the benefit will not only offset medical costs, but will also provide peace of mind.
“I’m blown away with the support we’ve received for Chris,” Karen said. “I love our small town and wouldn’t give up my wonderful community for anything.”
To contribute to Reeves’ recovery, send donations through Venmo to @CDReeves04, Chime to $Christopher-Reeves-92 or contact Karen Reeves at 903-651-9457.
