Joseph Pratt
The Minford community has come together to prepare a benefit for the Oberley Family, after a critical car crash last November.
Paul and Martha Oberley were in Frostproof, Florida, when their RV was hit by a Ford F-150 truck. The two were taken to Tampa General Hospital.
The incident has taken its toll on the family, since Martha Oberley was left in critical condition and with burns on half of her body. Over a month later, Martha is still unable to leave the hospital, and the family has been left traveling back and forth.
Friend of the family, Vanessa Tuttle, said that she felt compelled to help the family in this chaotic time, so she began planning a benefit.
“I grew up with Martha’s daughters, who are some of my best friends,” Tuttle said. “Honestly, they are all terrific people. They’ve had to leave their jobs to be with Martha while she recovers and I just want to help them, because everything is so expensive.”
Tuttle explained that many of the family members are taking time off work, paying for hotel stays, food, and more. Also, Martha will have a long recovery, once she is able to return home.
“She has a very long recovery ahead of her, so, hopefully, we can earn enough to help through that process, too,” Tuttle said.
Members of the community have jumped to support one of their own, especially since Martha worked for many years as a Falcon in the Minford Local School District.
The community plans to come together on December 13, between the hours of 1-5 p.m. Food will be served for $5 a plate, which has been donated by many businesses. Photos with Santa will be for sale, by photographer Megan Lester, for $10. There will also be a silent auction on themed Christmas trees, gift baskets, and more.
Other offers include split the pot, games and face painting, raffles, and more.
“The Minford community has really embraced this. It is amazing how much help I’ve had. People are so willing to do anything and everything to help with this event, from local businesses to residents,” Tuttle explained. “It has been nice.”
One of the businesses assisting in the event it Subway of Minford, which is owned by Ed Newsome.
“As a business owner, you like to give back to the community,” Newsome said. “You want to be involved and help. It is a social responsibility to be a part of everything. Martha was a teacher for many years and a lot of the people in the community are touched.”
There is also a Go Fund Me page for the family, labeled as the Martha Oberley and Family Support Fund. It has currently met $1,295 of its $8,000 goal.
Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.
