MONROE - The power of community and friendship helped a fundraiser Friday and Saturday at the Bargain Depot for the families of two teens killed in a recent vehicle crash exceed everyone's expectations.
At least 2,000 people stopped by to support the families of Corey Becker, 18, and Amber Moyer, 19, both of Monroe, who died as a result of a two-car accident April 18.
The fundraiser, spearheaded by Cody Bates, a friend of both teens and an employee at Bargain Depot, raised about $9,500 - almost twice Bate's goal of $5,000, which will be divided between the two teens' families.
"The community helped more than I thought, more than my expectations," Bates said.
Many Monroe students, on their way to the prom, stopped by to eat, he said.
About 1,000 brats and an tremendous number of hot dogs and hamburgers were sold during the two days.
Bates was happy that his friends' families received more than money from the event.
The family members said they were amazed at how many people came to support them, and they had a chance to talk to many of their friends and community acquaintances at the fundraiser, Bates said.
"It made them feel good," he said. "It's important to me to see the families smile."
Bates gives much credit for the fundraiser success to the women who work with him, including the business' owner Janet Wunschel.
"Janet was always by my side the whole time," he said.
Employees helped set up, as well as sold raffle tickets and canvassed the community for donations.
The families of Becker and Moyer also pitched in by serving food, selling raffle tickets and making signs.
"Friendship is very important," he said.
Because of all the work preparing for the fundraiser, Bates and the other Bargain Depot employees are busy getting the store restocked and back in order, but winners of the raffle will be contacted shortly, Bates said.
At least 2,000 people stopped by to support the families of Corey Becker, 18, and Amber Moyer, 19, both of Monroe, who died as a result of a two-car accident April 18.
The fundraiser, spearheaded by Cody Bates, a friend of both teens and an employee at Bargain Depot, raised about $9,500 - almost twice Bate's goal of $5,000, which will be divided between the two teens' families.
"The community helped more than I thought, more than my expectations," Bates said.
Many Monroe students, on their way to the prom, stopped by to eat, he said.
About 1,000 brats and an tremendous number of hot dogs and hamburgers were sold during the two days.
Bates was happy that his friends' families received more than money from the event.
The family members said they were amazed at how many people came to support them, and they had a chance to talk to many of their friends and community acquaintances at the fundraiser, Bates said.
"It made them feel good," he said. "It's important to me to see the families smile."
Bates gives much credit for the fundraiser success to the women who work with him, including the business' owner Janet Wunschel.
"Janet was always by my side the whole time," he said.
Employees helped set up, as well as sold raffle tickets and canvassed the community for donations.
The families of Becker and Moyer also pitched in by serving food, selling raffle tickets and making signs.
"Friendship is very important," he said.
Because of all the work preparing for the fundraiser, Bates and the other Bargain Depot employees are busy getting the store restocked and back in order, but winners of the raffle will be contacted shortly, Bates said.