By By MaryClaire Foster
Watching Lonnie and Carolyn Rackard singing and smiling on stage, the struggles the two of them have been through with their health was not apparent.
Nor was it apparent when Lonnie went through their medical history, citing his diabetes and subsequent amputations of both legs below the knees, his liver failure or the most recent benign mass found in his sinuses nor his wife’s multiple heart bypasses and continuing heart problems.
Sitting to the side resting after his own performance, Rackard watched friends and family perform at the same benefit honoring and supporting him and his wife. He smiled as he finished going through the list of ailments responsible for the hard times they have come upon and said, “It’s just so amazing.”
What he was referring to was the amount of people and support showed to him and his wife at the catfish fry and benefit Saturday at the Poarch Pow-Wow grounds.
The benefit raised $5,148 from plate sales and auctioned items.
Jason Rackard, son of Carolyn and Lonnie, said he was blown away at the amount of items donated to the auction.
Carolyn Rackard said she was overwhelmed with the show of support, both monetarily and emotionally given by family and friends.
Lonnie Rackard said it seems like any time he even thinks there is something he needs someone has it done for him before he even asks.
The Rackard’s niece, Rosemary Powell, said the support was a testament to the good her aunt and uncle have done for the community.
Powell and Carolyn Dortch were the main organizers of the event. Dortch said the Poarch community is always willing to do everything possible for its members.
The Modern Woodmen of America agreed to match the money raised up to $2,500, bringing the total to $7,618.
Greg Findley, district representative of Modern Woodmen of America, said because his organization is a 501© they are able to help members and their communities with events like these.
Poarch Baptist Church, Poarch Community Church, Atmore Apostolic Church, Atmore United Pentecostal Church, New Home Apostolic Church, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church and Friendly Holiness Church sponsored the benefit.
Each church donated food items to be served with the plates.
The Rackard’s would like to thank: Winn Dixie, Best Western, Marvin’s, Creek Family Restaurant, Chuck Steven’s Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Central Painter’s Supply, Hazel’s Curl Country, Miller’s Pawn Shop, Marty’s Furniture, Auto Detailing of Atmore, Atmore Florist, Lilly’s Florist, Atmore Appliance Center, Harold Allen Mobile Homes, Atmore Truckers Co-op, B &B Western Corral, Old South Automotive, Rolin Tires, Pizza Hut, Jalisco’s, Anchor Caf/, B&T’s B-B-Q, Hall’s Wood Work, A-1 Specialists, Atmore Electric, Castleyberry Insurance, Teresa Smith of Modern Woodmen, Jerry’s Hardware, The Bean Store, Buster’s Restaurant, Dixie Catfish, BV &K’s Goodies, Cotton’s Furniture, CIE Smoke Shop, Johnson Ford, Hainje’s Furniture, Napa Auto Parts, State Line Pawn Shop, Central Farm Supply, The Atmore Advance, United Bank, First National Bank &Trust, The Taste at Creek Casino, Joey’s Furniture, BonDurant’s Lumber, John Deere Tractor, John Helm at Elite Barber Shop, Jack Beck at Elite Barber Shop, Donnette Brooks at Elite Barber Shop and Randy Dorriety at Elite Barber Shop, Whistle Stop Caf/, Masonic Lodge, David’s Catfish, Swift Supply and Pepsi Bottling Co.