RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - Two blocks of downtown Russellville were covered with generosity Saturday as members of the community did their part to support the family of Maelyne Cartee, a second grader recovering from head trauma at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Miracles for Maelyne began with teachers at Russellville Elementary School and the blonde tomboy's classmates, who organized a bake sale. They were invited to set up downtown before the street party already planned for Saturday by the new Rowdy's Bar and Grill.
By Saturday afternoon, a row of tables offered a variety of ways to donate to the family, from Debi Johnson's golden angels to a children's area with a $5 purple "Pray for Maelyne" bracelet as admission.
The silent auction received extraordinary responses from as far away as Tipton and Lake Ozark, which encouraged organizers to add a live auction component, as well.
"It's been unbelievable," said Mandy Cartee, Maelyne's aunt. "It's restored my faith a little in the human race."
Organizers hoped a total of $25,000 could be raised through the event combined with many other collections, such as collecting walnuts or directing donations from last Friday's School Carnival booths.
Maelyne, the daughter of Danny Cartee and Michelle Cotton, was trampled by a cow at her Russellville farm Sept. 30. She has shown positive response, according to doctors. And the family is hopeful she may begin physical therapy within the month.
But the process will be long, Cartee said.
"It makes you think how quick your life can change; I think that's why it really touched everybody," said Malinda Penberthy, who donated two personalized wreaths to the silent auction.
"I have that talent and I hope my donation is something that makes little money for the family," Penberthy said.
"I've put my time into it. It's my little touch of hope."
Tara Henderson took the opportunity of the second-grade bake sale to show her children the value of caring for others.
"Children learn by seeing what we do," Henderson said. "They knew where it was going; they were excited to contribute.
"It feels good to do stuff like that."
Earlier in the week, more than 40 people posted to Mandy Cartee's Facebook wall, after she asked for pocket-change donations to support the Ronald McDonald House, where Maelyne's family has been fortunate enough to stay.
"Our community has been hit hard with tragedies," Penberthy summarized. "At times like this, when it counts, we come together for our own."