Sunday, Aug. 24, area bar, 505 hosted a benefit for Pittsburg State softball player, Kendall Forbes. Forbes is a junior marketing major who survived a life-altering car crash on Sunday, July 20. Since the incident occurred, the Pittsburg community has gathered to help support Forbes and her family in this time of need.
On top of a $10 entry fee, the benefit raised funds through both a live and a silent auction. Auctioned items were donated by several businesses, varying from baked goods to designer bags. In addition, 505 staff allotted all of their tips for the evening to the cause. These funds will go toward Forbes’s recovery, therapy, and any resources she may need.
Stephanie Forbes, Kendall’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the community support.
“We received text messages and videos all afternoon. Friends and family said how emotional it was to see the outpouring of love and support for Kendall from so many people in the community.”
Several Pittsburg residents joined in to support the benefit’s cause, demonstrating the strong support system that a small city can possess.
“You can have things like this where Kendall went through this tragic event. All these people come together to support her from all walks of life. And that’s what Pittsburg, Kansas is all about,” attendee DJ Perry said. “I’m here to be a part of the community. I’m here to help out, donate, spend some money, say hello to everybody, and make this event as best as we can. It’s wonderful seeing all these people coming together like this with her.”
Along with the support from the many benefit attendees, the Pitt State softball team will also be sporting “Kendall” logos on their helmets for this upcoming season. This kind of community foundation is often exactly what guides families through tragic events like these.
“We will never be able to thank everyone enough,” Stephanie Forbes expressed. “This road to recovery will be a long one, but knowing we have so many people behind us makes us feel like we’re not alone.”