The Shadow
A few weeks ago, the Virginian Review made the public aware of a fundraiser we started for the family of Evan Groves. As a reminder, we ordered light blue bracelets before the beginning of the school year to be given away by our new sportswriter, Jennifer Bailey, at ball games.
Initially, these bracelets were meant to be a fun gift to fans who showed up in support of the newly consolidated sports teams. However, not long after we received these bracelets, 15-year-old Evan Groves gained his wings after a lifelong skin condition. Groves was known to be a sweet, loving child who kept a good attitude despite the many challenges he faced all his life.
The Virginian Review covered a parade in his honor just three days before he went home to be the Lord. Afterward, we put our heads together and searched for ideas as to how we could get the community involved to help his family.
After much deliberation, we noticed that the inside of the bracelets we ordered for sports was engraved on the inside with the words, “THE HARDER THE BATTLE, THE SWEETER THE VICTORY.” It would be an emotional moment, as the first person we thought of was Evan Groves. Our mission was crystal clear. We would continue to give away the bracelets at ball games as we initially intended but would ask fans if they would like to “pay what you want” for them, donating 100% of the proceeds to the family of Evan Groves for whatever they might need.
We have decided to wrap up this fundraiser at the end of the month, with the last day being October 31st by 4 p.m., and ask the community’s support to get in those final donations. Our office address is 201 W. Locust Street in Covington for those wishing to stop in to purchase a bracelet or send checks. Envelopes should be addressed:
Virginian Review C/O Jennifer Bailey or C/O Carla Bowles
201 W. Locust Street.
Covington, VA 24426
Jennifer Bailey and Carla Bowles are the organizers of this fundraiser and have requested all checks be made out to Christina Rena, Evan Groves’ mother. To reach Jennifer by cell to make other arrangements, she can be reached at 540-960-3388. Carla can also be reached on her cell at 540-620-2351. You can also call the Virginian Review office at 540-962-2121.
Additionally, bracelets can be purchased from Laura Snead, a teacher where Evan attended school at Jeter Watson. Stop in and see Mrs. Snead or call her cell phone at 540-969-8372.
We thank the community in advance for your support. Upon the conclusion of this fundraiser, we will be presenting all donations to Ms. Rena in person. We will also be publishing the names of all who donated —except for those who wish to remain anonymous— and the total amount received, which will be featured in the November 2nd edition of the Virginian Review.
