On Saturday, April 7, a group of people came together to help out a friend who had recently experienced a near fatal house fire, they called themselves The Help Eric Organization.

For four weeks they worked together organizing a weekend fundraiser to help Eric get back on his feet and start enjoying his life again. They stuffed thousands of eggs for an Easter egg hunt, they walked the streets of the Miss-Lou asking merchants to help by donating items for silent auctions and raffle drawings, they built games for children to play and they baked items for a bake sale. They did any and everything they could to raise money and make the fundraiser a success. The day finally came and as the sun started to rise on the riverfront everyone started arriving to get the event set up and ready to go.

It started with the hunt for eggs and quickly moved to the stage and a day of outstanding music by a group of local bands. The first silent auction started and the raffle draws filled the time between bands. When people got hungry they had barbecue chicken and crawfish to choose from. The first silent auction ended and winners were announced. Another silent auction began with more great items and the bands keep playing. At 6 p.m. one of the most hilarious highlights of the year started — the first Miss River Barge, or was it Mr. (it was hard to tell), Contest, a male only beauty, for the lack of a better word, pageant. Seeing those men with their hairy faces, arms, legs and even backs in dresses and heels trying to parade across the stage and work the audience for tips for their jars was something that words just can’t describe. The final silent auction ended, the remaining raffle draws were done and then it was music and dancing for the remainder of the evening. It was a great time for all that came, and for those who couldn’t make it you missed one of the best events of the year.

It takes many people to make an event like this successful and many thanks to be made. First and foremost we would like to thank all the merchants and individuals who contributed to the event. Secondly to the bands that donated their time and talent to provide music. Those bands were Mojo Mudd, Blue Haired Mafia, Backroads Band, Apostles Creed and Framing the Red. A special thanks to Casey Gilbert for running the sound all day. Finally to all the volunteers — it wouldn’t have happened without y’all. But mostly who all we have to thank is the public who attended. The proceeds have enabled Eric to find a new home and get moved in.

Steve Davis

The Help Eric Organization