LADONNA RHODES

STAFF WRITER

At a special Checotah City Council meeting on March 4, a motion was approved for city donations of sick leave for James Curtis and his son, Conner Curtis. The Curtis family recently suffered a devastating blow when 18-year-old Conner had to be life flighted after suffering a stroke which left him unable to speak or comprehend everything that was happening to him. It was a touch and go situation for over a week in the hospital but now the family is home and trying to navigate a long road of recovery for Conner.

Both James and Conner work for the City of Checotah and go out of their way to help others, but now it’s their city working together to help them.

Last week, Andrea Beaver decided to start a “Cookies for Conner” raffle fundraiser for the family to help with outof- pocket expenses to hopefully help ease a little of the financial woes.

“From the moment we heard the news, we started praying for Conner,” Beaver said. “But I just wanted to do something more because it affects the entire family. That’s when I came up with the ‘Cookies for Conner’ raffle. I decided to raffle off a dozen decorated cookies (that the winner gets to choose for what occasion) for one entry of $5 or five entries for $20. People could then cash app me at $beaverandrea or pay in person at Beaver Family Dental. Then all the proceeds would go directly to the Curtis family to help with Conner’s recovery.”

However, after Beaver posted her cookie raffle on social media, more businesses and individuals started offering their products and services to help raise more money for Conner. Now Beaver plans to have at least two winners or maybe more, depending on the amount of donations still coming in.

“This is why I love my community,” Beaver said. “They simply are the best.”

Currently, the list of donations includes: Andrea Beaver – One dozen special ordered cookies James and Linzie Hatfield – A 4-HR cleaning service My Ground Designs – A t- shirt bundle of one t-shirt and one sweatshirt of choice Summer Rae Photography – One photography session Tina Risenhoover Free cup tumblers Beaver Family Dental – An electric toothbrush Checotah Wildcat Nutrition – A gift certificate McKenzie Mills Bracelets from Saddle Up Co.

Waxyc at sokt aha . scentsy.us – A scentsy warmer with melts Checotah Perk – Gift cards Becky Smith Parker A Hen & Chick quilt Tiffany Reece – Jewelry Kathy King-Cox Gift certificate to June’s Chicken Katie Blue – A hat Chronister Sandy – A gift certificate from Accent Floral Holly Lackey – A framed picture by Hollyshots Checotah Gun & Pawn – A gift certificate The raffle will take place around 6 p.m. on Friday, March 15 on Andrea Beaver’s Facebook page and then winners will be contacted.

“We just want the Curtis family to know that the community loves them and is continuing to pray for them all during this difficult time.”

If any other businesses and individuals would like to donate please contact Andrea on social media or at Beaver Family Dental.