Fundraiser Benefits Tornado Victims

On Sunday, June 30, Christ Community Church hosted their annual Hootenanny, a benefit concert for the Oklahoma tornado victims. The event featured the voices of Travis Daggett, The Sharecroppers, The Country Parson and many more. The event also included a raffle, with proceeds going directly to the Salvation Army or the Wesley Church Foundation for the victims in Oklahoma. Members Travis Daggett, Debbie Press, Leighanna Miranda and others helped to decorate the church for the Hootenanny. On the afternoon of May 20, a tornado with peak winds of 210 miles per hour struck Moore, Oklahoma, killing 20 and injuring up to 377 others. The record-setting tornado was 2.6 miles wide and carved an approximately 16.2-mile path across the rural lands near Oklahoma City. Senior Pastor O.J. Philpot provided some background on the event’s aim. “Normally every year prior to the 4th [July 4th] we do a Hootenanny. This is our seventh one, and this year we collectively decided [to benefit] the tornado victims back in Oklahoma, my home state, and that we would use it as a fundraiser to help out a bit. All the proceeds for the raffle and the offering go toward victim relief.” Mark Ruybalid, Assistant Pastor at Christ Community Church, said, “This is the first year that we hosted a fundraiser Hootenanny. We picked the situation because it is a big deal, and our hearts go out to each victim. Our church felt like we needed to step in and help, especially since our pastor is from Oklahoma. We do plan on having other events like this in the future.” Pastor Philpot announced that $192 had been raised in the raffle and $642 was donated in offering. Following the announcement and concert, Elizabeth Circle hosted an ice cream social so everyone could enjoy a cool dessert on a warm evening. Overall, the event raised over $830 for those in need.