More than 500 people showed up at New Life Christian Church in Bellville on Saturday, Aug. 10 to show their support and raise funds for Jason Sharp, a young father who recently suffered a debilitating stroke at the age of 26. Jason and his wife Michelle have two young boys and a third due in October.
“The outpouring of support has been amazing,” explained Amber McCready Sharp, Jason’s sister-in-law. As the organizer of the Jason Sharp Benefit, McCready solicited businesses and friends to participate.
Modern Woodman of America members from the Mansfield area offered a matching donation of up to $2,500. “The event raised over $30, 000,” said Modern Woodman representative Greg Boyce. “The community truly came together to support a local need. That support is what it’s all about.
V & M Restaurant, where Jason Sharp works as grill cook and co-manager, along with the Bellville Dairy Belle, provided the food for the benefit. There was a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and cake auction during the event to help with the fundraising.
Griffon Jewelers provided a pair of earrings for the auction. Some of the other donated items included a 1997 Dodge 4×4, OSU football tickets, mini-helmet signed by Archie Griffin, Vera Bradley basket and gift certificates for massages, gas, food and much more. Buckets placed around town also brought in some funding.
Sharp and his wife attended the benefit and reported that he is making great strides. He is going to therapy twice each week as the stroke affected his right leg and foot and right hand and arm as well as his speech. “He’s really improving,” said McCready Sharp. “And is so very thankful for the community support he’s received.”
