Benefit held at Bakersfield School raises more than $50,000 for parents of 1-year-old who died unexpectedly
photo courtesy of Michelle Farmer The Bakersfield School gym was packed during a July 20 benefit auction and dinner held in honor of Harley and Alex Smith, who lost their 1-year-old son Kooper unexpectedly in May due to complications with an illness.
In the true neighbor-helping-neighbor community spirit Bakersfield is known for, a July 20 benefit auction and dinner held in honor of Harley and Alex Smith raised a total of $51,704. The Smiths are the parents of 1-year-old Kooper Smith who died unexpectedly May 23 from complications resulting from an illness.
The total is even more impressive considering the community also supported the Bakersfield PTO first annual truck and car pull that night, raising more than $12,000 for its continued efforts.
And another benefit, held just a month ago on June 22 at Bakersfield School, raised more than $75,000. It was held in honor of Whiney Grayham, who was diagnosed with cancer.
The Smith couple says they are blown away and incredibly grateful for the support.
“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything that everyone did. From organizing, getting donations, the baked goods, the book keepers, the auctioneers, taking the payments and keep it so organized, the concession stand, the helpers running around (the littles and big) and Kristen and her mom with the Kooper T-shirts, and just every single person that took time out of their day that came out to support us in this tragic time. Thank you will never be enough!” Alex said in a Facebook post after the event.
“I just want everyone to know the gratitude of your blessings to our family. This community and the surrounding communities are beyond amazing. And I also know this could never be possible without God... knowing he has my little Kooper and is taking good care of him for us until we get to see him again is something that we will forever be thankful for,” she said.
“As much as I wish I could have my baby back in my arms, I know that is not possible, so we will continue to push forward and live our lives the best we know how. We will also continue to count our blessings because I know even in the midst of this terrible heartache, we are still so very blessed.”