Local cafe dishes up fundraiser lunch to benefit recent widower

The Sale Barn Cafe in Gainesville raised nearly $2,500 during a Jan. 22 lunch fundraiser, and all proceeds were given to Ozark County Ambulance EMT Dustin Warren and his three girls, including his newborn daughter Emersyn. 

Warren’s wife, Amanda, died unexpectedly during childbirth Jan. 12. 

“Ozark County has once again amazed me with their amazing outpouring of love,” cafe owner Kasey McKee posted to Facebook after the fundraiser was over. “Just know that your money is going to a great cause, and I’m sure I can speak for Dustin and say it’s appreciated. Nobody should have to worry about finances in times of great tragedy. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.”

McKee offered cashew chicken or sweet and sour chicken for the fundraiser lunch. She said they lost count on the total number of orders, but she estimates the small kitchen staff put together about 200 lunches. She gave special thanks to her mother, Missy Foster, who cut up more than 160 pounds of chicken for the day.

McKee also expressed thanks to the volunteers who helped deliver the food to area residents who had ordered it. Some participants also ordered lunch and ate inside the cafe, which is located inside the Gainesville Livestock Auction on Highway 160, west of Gainesville. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423