Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Several weeks ago, I was approached by Lee Ann Bray and the youth of Mathews Baptist Church about organizing a fundraiser for MichaelDion Davis-Ruskovitz and his family. I was happy to help and we all got to work. It was truly a blessing to be a part of this event.

We served approximately 600 meals, saw so many wonderful people fill our cafeteria to capacity and had a wonderful time working with a great group of people. The majority of my help was the youth group of Mathews Baptist Church and a few youth from other churches. These young people not only blessed the Davis-Ruskovitz family, but also blessed me and my staff working the event. They came ready to work and worked until the last dish was washed.

It was so refreshing to see a group of young people lifting each other up, encouraging each other and being challenged in all the right ways. It reminded me of my teenage years and being a part of my youth group under the leadership of the Rev. Ed Pruitt. He instilled in me the importance of community, loving one another and giving back.

It is obvious Mrs. Bray and the other youth leaders are wonderful role models and teaching these young people the importance of mission and community. This will help them have a heart to selflessly serve others for the rest of their lives. What a wonderful event!

Nelda Gibbs

Moon, Va.