Despite the rain, many people came to the BBQ sandwich benefit lunch provided by friends and supporters of the Michele Reiter family on Saturday.
Before noon, over 200 sandwiches had been sold and many were still coming to order at Bruner Toyota, and others were calling in orders that organizers were delivering. According to event organizer Erocia Poindexter and the Iron Horse Riding Club, many people participated despite the rain and some were giving donations above the cost of the meal.
Some family members of Ms. Reiter were present including her children, Ty and Alexis Reiter along with their father Steve Reiter.
“They wouldn’t miss this for anything,” said Poindexter. “They really wanted to see the support everyone had for their mother.”
Poindexter stated that she was really worried that the rain would affect the turnout but was very pleased at the success so far.
Ty Reiter stated that he really felt the support of those coming to the event.
“It’s so amazing. I love it, some of these people don’t even know my mom, but are here to stand for what she represented,” said Ty. “It means a lot to me, especially coming out in the rain.”
Steve Reiter, Michele’s ex-husband, stated that the family is coping with her death as best they can and trying to focus on the good times, remembering what a good person she was. He and the kids are planning to travel to New York after the funeral to let the kids spend time with Michele’s family.
According to Mr. Reiter, the school Alexis attends is helping to provide counseling to help her and Ty cope with the tragic loss of their mother.
The Reiters expressed their thanks to the community and to Poindexter who they were able to meet for the first time this week. Although she did not know their mom, she is friends with her roommate and felt a calling to help the family.
Pictured above and below are volunteers from the Iron Horse Riding Club and others at the benefit.
