MERC Coffee Club fundraiser to benefit Stanton family
The Merc (United Farmers’ Mercantile Cooperative) Coffee Club will be holding its 27th annual benefit dinner Dec. 11 at the Gold Fair Building. The recipient of this year’s benefit award will be Julie Fouts, wife of Bryan Fouts and daughter of Gary and Jean Bozwell.
Both Bryan and Gary are long time employees of the Mercantile. Bryan and Julie have seven children ranging in age from 4 - 18. Julie is an x-ray technician at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak.
About five years ago, Julie checked into an outpatient suite for some minor surgery, expecting to be discharged the next morning. Complications developed, resulting in pneumonia and pancreatitis, and a six-week stay in the hospital. Since that time, Julie has suffered recurring bouts of pancreatitis, causing pain and nausea, repeated and prolonged hospital stays, and a great deal of missed work. This has caused financial and emotional strain on the family, and it prevents Julie from doing many of the things she loves, like spending time with her family and attending her children’s school activities.
“Julie’s family is very supportive, and Bryan and the children do all they can,” said Bill Jones, Secretary/Treasurer of the Merc Coffee Club, “But we all know the very special part of the family: Mother. With the holidays just around the corner, our hope is to help this special family to have the best holiday they can, considering all the challenges Julie and her family face.”
“I was still in the hospital when I found out about being this year’s recipient,” Julie said. “I was really surprised, and I’m very grateful.”
The Merc Coffee Club has been meeting since 1978, according to President Bill Zenor, and holding an annual benefit the past 27 years.
“At that time we had a member who was in need of some help and we held a benefit, and we’ve been doing it ever since,” said Zenor. “We’ll be serving pancakes, sausage and a beverage for a free-will donation. It’s always a good time. We hope a lot of people will come out.”