Community raises over $37,000 for Roberts family of Dora
A benefit dinner and auction held last Saturday at Dora School raised more than $37,000 for Roberts family.
The Dora School gym was packed last Saturday by those showing up to support Wes Roberts and his children, who recently suffered the unexpected loss of their mom and involved community member Marcie. There were a wide variety of items auctioned off, donated by many generous neighbors, community members and local businesses.
The Dora community came together in an extraordinary way Saturday evening, raising more than $37,500 for Wes Roberts and his children following the unexpected death of his wife, Marcie.
The benefit dinner and auction, held at Dora School, was organized to help the family not only cope with the sudden loss of Marcie but also support Wes, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments.
The Roberts family has long been known in the community for their generosity and dedication to children. In 2020, the Ozark County Times featured their remarkable journey of adoption - after welcoming six adopted children into their home, Wes and Marcie became parents to a total of nine kids, balancing the challenges of a large family with faith and commitment.
Saturday night’s benefit reflected that same spirit of love and care the Roberts have shown to others. Friends, neighbors and even strangers packed into the school for a meal, good conversation and a lively auction that featured donated goods, services and homemade items.
Event organizer Cally DePriest expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt Facebook post after the fundraiser:
“Wow… what a night! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to everyone who prayed, came out, donated, cooked, served, bid, or helped in any way to make our benefit auction and dinner such a huge success. We are beyond blessed by the love and support from our community. Because of YOU, we were able to raise an incredible $37,560.25 — we just dropped it all off to the family! It’s nights like this that remind us how special it is to be surrounded by people who show up, give big, and love even bigger. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. Thank you for making this a night we’ll never forget!”
The evening served as both a fundraiser and a tribute to Marcie’s legacy, a legacy of compassion, selflessness and both family and community devotion.
While the Roberts family continues to navigate unimaginable challenges, Saturday’s turnout proved they do not have to face them alone.