J’s Grill fundraiser raises more than $3,500 for ‘Scarlett Strong’
Scarlett Hall is a former Gainesville Elementary student and the daughter of Clint Hall, who served as Gainesville High School Principal from 2021-23, and his wife, Shelby. They now live in Ava and Scarlett attends Mansfield School, where Clint serves as school superintendent. Her mom Shelby is an area wedding and event photographer.
What began as a $200 donation from a local food truck owner turned into a powerful show of community support last month, as local residents rallied together to raise thousands for a young girl recovering from a traumatic accident.
Throughout July, the Gainesville food truck J’s Grill, operated by Jamie Wyman, hosted a “Scarlett Strong” fundraiser challenge. The effort brought in a total of $3,582, all of which will go directly to help fifth grader Scarlett Hall, who remains hospitalized at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, along with her family, who reamin by her side.
Scarlett was severely injured June 19 after being sucked underwater and becoming lodged in a creek bridge culvert in Douglas County. The accident left her with significant injuries. She remains sedated at the hospital as medical staff work toward allowing her body to become strong enough to remove the sedation and assess the damage to her brain, organs and other bodily systems.
Wyman kickstarted the fundraiser by placing a donation bucket on her truck’s counter and contributing $200 of her own money. Then, she challenged her customers and the Gainesville community to join her in giving.
And they did, enthusiastically.
Some people dropped in spare change; some matched Wyman’s $200 and others went above and beyond with higher donations.
One of the most remarkable moments came the day before the fundraiser wrapped up, when an anonymous donor quietly contributed $500 to the cause, followed by $870 in donations from the local employees of White River Electric Cooperative.
Wyman said watching the bucket fill day after day was a humbling and emotional experience.
All funds raised will be sent to the Hall family to help cover medical, travel and loss of work expenses as Scarlett continues receiving care in St. Louis.
To follow along with updates on Scarlett’s condition, follow the “Scarlett Strong” Facebook group.