Amidst tears and cheers, over 200 friends of Jerry White gathered at the Evarts RV Park recently to express their love and concern for him and his family.

Jerry and Donna Ledford, along with Ken Beard, organized the event to help pay expenses the family has incurred.

“As most people know Jerry has been in the hospital for the past eight weeks in Lexington,” said Donna Ledford. “Before Labor Day, Jerry and some of his friends were camping and Jerry complained of something biting him between his shoulder blades. He came home and off and on he complained of being sick. Just after Labor Day, he went into a coma and has not come out of it since that time. The doctors say it is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from a tick bite.”

Ledford said White’s wife, Glenda, had not left her husband’s side for the past eight weeks and had been staying in a motel room, making her expenses very high.

“We are praying for a miracle,” Ledford said. “Jerry is one of the intricate parts of the (Harlan County) Ridge Runners. We miss him so much. It’s been phenomenal today with the turnout for the event, just friends all wanting to help.”

Beard said Jerry is well loved in the community, always willing to help anyone. Beard said Jerry White was always doing something around the RV park, helping people from out of town, picking up trash, anything to help out.

“One of our fellow Ridge Runners has fallen,” said Bill Troutman, president of the Ridge Runners. “This is just something we do to help people in our community. We all just try to do the right thing for our neighbors.”

Jerry Ledford said he was pleased with the turnout. He said it makes you feel good to see people step up and help someone in the community in their time of need. He said it says a lot about the people of Evarts.

“I love it when people come out and support the community,” said Burl Fee, the mayor of Evarts. “They’ve been up here cooking since 7:30 p.m. today.”

Rob McGill, from Oxford, Ohio, said he comes about three times per month to hang out and ride his RV in Harlan County. He said the people of Evarts were so kind and this event was proof.

“I’m enjoying the day and the benefit for Jerry,” said Bob Miller from Greenville, S.C. “I am good friends with Jerry White. I’ve been here about 10 weeks off and on, I stay a week to 10 days at a time. I sure wish Jerry was here with us today.”

Preston McLain said the people of Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana and other parts of the country had come to help a friend in need. He said this just shows what Harlan County people are made of.

“I’m here today to help a really good guy that’s in the hospital,” said Rick Nelson, a Kentucky state representative whose district includes sections of Harlan County. “This is one of the things we used to do, get together and help your neighbor. I’m here to support this. I hate what has happened. When Jerry gets through this, he’ll look back and see what all his friends did for him.”

James White, brother to Jerry, said it’s in God’s hands now. He said Jerry treated everybody the same no matter what. White said this event and support would make his brother so proud.

“It’s a testament to Jerry,” said James White. “He’s been like a brother and daddy to a lot of people. He’s had Jerry’s Market here in Evarts for about 35 years and made an impact on so many people. Keep Jerry in your prayers, because as long as there is a heartbeat, there is hope.”

Jerry White’s wife, Glenda, said he doesn’t know the friendship he has. She said the doctors have done all they can. She said it’s in God’s hands now. She expressed her gratitude for all the hard work.

Cumberland River bluegrass band played for the crowd that came and went all day long. Approximately $4,170 was raised from the event to give to the family.