Recently, friends and listeners of Mike Cope from local radio station KXYL’s morning talk show have come together to organize a fundraiser to help him during a difficult time. Cope has been off the job since December 3rd due to medical problems with his hip.
Cope is scheduled to have hip replacement surgery on March 15, 2011. Due to the fact that the surgery is not considered a permanent disability or long-term illness, Cope does not qualify for unemployment or disability. His family has had to manage living off of one income, his wife’s teacher salary. After the surgery, Cope will face 6-8 weeks of recovery before he can return to work.
After hearing of the financial struggle that Cope and his family was going through, local minister Wayne Goforth and old high school friend Sandra Iley have teamed up to organize the help of others to hold a craft sale/garage sale to benefit Cope. The event will take place from 10:00am-3:00pm on March 26th at the Brownwood Masonic Lodge.
Never having to rely on the charity of others, Cope stated that it has been quite humbling to hear of this event being held for his family.
“I am touched and grateful that there are people out there, some who don’t even know me, who would want to help me,” stated Cope. “It warms my heart to know that people out there are concerned and want to help me. I’m grateful and thankful.”
Goforth was a listener of Cope’s morning show and really got to know him through the radio conversations. Cope stated that he attends a First Methodist Church in May and does not attend Goforth’s church; however, was moved that Goforth would reach beyond his church to help someone. He pointed out that Brownwood is a community that is known for rallying around and helping those in need.
Organizers are seeking items to sell and volunteers to assist with the sale. Click here to contact Wayne Goforth through Facebook to donate items or to volunteer for the event.
