Peach State Manager Hosts Local Charity Event

In small towns, the sense of community often runs deep, and when a member of that community faces adversity, the community rallies together to lend a helping hand. This was precisely the case for Michaela Head, a Senior graduating from Pike County High School this year. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a life-altering event when an accident left Michaela with major spine damage. Determined to make a difference, the community came together to organize a charity event that would provide support and financial assistance to Michaela and her family during their time of need.

On May 24th, just two days before her scheduled graduation, Michaela was involved in a car accident when another vehicle backed out of a driveway. The accident caused severe spine damage, requiring immediate surgery at a trauma center. As Michaela fought for her recovery, the principal of Pike County High School personally delivered her diploma to her hospital bedside.

Understanding the emotional and financial toll that such a situation can place on a family, Matthew Castleberry, a close friend of Michaela's stepdad who regularly played pool with him and Peach State McDonough’s Service Manager, decided to take action. Realizing the importance of being by a loved one's side during a challenging time, this Matthew reached out to one of the owners of Pike Billiards. Without hesitation, the owner agreed to host a benefit tournament to raise funds to support Michaela's family during their trying journey.

With the support of the local community, the charity event took shape in record time. The response from the community was overwhelming, with individuals and businesses alike contributing through sponsorships, donations of cash, and items for raffle. 

On June 24th, the day of the event, the community came out in full force to show their support for Michaela. From 9 AM on Saturday until 2 AM on Sunday morning, Pike Billiards was packed with people eager to make a difference. The atmosphere was electric, with participants competing in the tournament, engaging in friendly banter, and sharing stories of resilience and hope. The event served as a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within a close-knit community.

When all was said and done, the charity event for Michaela proved to be an overwhelming success. The unwavering support from the community, combined with the organizer's dedication and hard work, resulted in an impressive fundraising total of over $11,000.00. This substantial amount will help alleviate the financial burden faced by Michaela and her family, enabling them to focus on her recovery.