ARNOLD—Pulled pork, pie, and poetry! A benefit for Ed and Alasha Johnson is scheduled for Friday, April 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arnold Baptist Church (101 W 7th Ave, Arnold, NE 69120). Dinner and dessert will be served for a free-will donation with the proceeds going to help the Johnson family. The evening will also feature music, cowboy poetry, and a silent auction.
Ed Johnson was diagnosed with Leukemia and it was discovered that he is also struggling with exposure to black mold in their home. The family has moved into temporary housing but there is a need for a healthy house for Ed, Alasha, and their kids. Ed travels to Kansas weekly and stays several days for treatment.
Ed works as a diesel mechanic and Alasha (daughter of Pastor Irv Jennings) operates Johnsons Garden with the family.
Community members have once again joined together to help a family in need. Pastor Lee Wonch of the Tallin Church spoke to KCNI/KBBN about the upcoming event saying he greatly appreciates all of the people who have volunteered to help.
“A wonderful couple, they care about the community and a lot of people. We’re blessed here in central Nebraska to have so many people that want to help each other,” Pastor Wonch said.
Pastor Wonch said not only have people in Arnold stepped up to help the Johnson family, but also people from Logan, Lincoln, and Custer counties as well as Gothenburg.
“We know it’s a busy time of year but it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy each other and just let them know we care greatly for them,” Pastor Wonch said.
The benefit this Friday night will feature fresh pulled pork, beans, and chips along with 93 pies and counting! Music will be provided by Molly Magill and her mother Mary Channer-Paul at 6:15 p.m. and Christian Cowboy poetry by Sam Connell at 7:15 p.m.
Silent auction items include a gun safe and a dirt bike among other donations. The event will be held at the Arnold Baptist Church, indoors and outdoors depending on the weather.
“We’re hoping and praying for a very large crowd and if we can’t use the picnic tables outside we’ll be very happy if it means we have rain!” Pastor Wonch added.
Donations can be mailed to:
Arnold Pinnacle Bank
P.O. Box 366
Arnold, NE 69120-0366
Payable to Ed or Alasha Johnson
Memo Ed Johnson Benefit
If you’d like to contribute to the fundraiser or help that night, here are the people to contact:
Pies- Leron (308) 379-2398
Help that night- Pastor Lee Wonch (308) 636-6268
Donate Silent Auction Items- Lori Stutzman (308) 530-4121
