More than 40 attend Scott City benefit for woman's family

June Hayes moved to Southeast Missouri from Michigan to be closer to family and provide a better education for her children. Now her family, community and school are coming together to try to ensure that her children are able to stay in their home and school in Scott City.

After battling diabetes and COPD, Hayes, 48, died suddenly Aug. 25. Without life insurance or a savings plan, her children had no means to pay the funeral or the normal day-to-day expenses.

CJ Hughes, a friend of Hayes' for more than 13 years, helped organize June's Kids benefit dinner and silent auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Schock's Pub in Scott City. The proceeds from the benefit, a little over $400, went to assist with daily living expenses for Hayes' six children. More than 40 people attended the event.

"We are so surprised and overwhelmed by the outpouring of help and generosity," Hughes said.

Funeral arrangements were donated by Amick-Burnett Funeral Home in Scott City. Scott City school staff and administration collected money to keep the electricity on in the home for the next three months.

Schock's Pub donated the building, tables and chairs for the event. More than 30 area businesses, churches and groups donated food, drinks, paper goods and silent auction items. Dinner plates ranging from soup and sandwiches to fried chicken and mashed potatoes were available. Silent auction items, including restaurant coupons, picture frames or veterinary services, were available for a minimum bid of $5.

"I knew June forever," said Jennifer Langston. "I wanted to come out and help her family and support her memory."

In addition to the dinner and silent auction, raffle tickets for male and female's biker jackets from Custom Chrome in Cape Girardeau were available. The tickets may be purchased at Paradise Express in Scott City, Yvonne's Restaurant in Benton, Mo., and Custom Chrome. Tickets are sold for individually for $5 or 6 for $20. The raffle drawing will be held Oct. 22 with the winner notified by phone. Monetary donation cans have also been distributed to local businesses.

Hayes' children are staying with various family members and friends.

"The kids are just staying busy and taking it one day at a time," Hughes said.

"She would have done anything for us and would be so thankful to everyone," said Hayes' 11-year-old son, Jerry. "I wouldn't have wanted anyone else as my mom."

Pertinent address:

Scott City, MO