Rallying around the Bense family
Thu, 12/29/2022 - 11:26pm
The community of Janesville never fails to pull together and show support in tough times.
That’s precisely what happened at the Willow Bense Benefit on Saturday, August 20. Supporters from all around the area rallied at the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School to show their love for the Bense family.
A long serving line formed quickly already at the 11 a.m. start. For $8, attendees could get a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, and a cookie.
Dozens of people at a time checked out the silent auction in one half of the high school gym while kids shot hoops for fun on the other side.
Among the more than 200 items in the silent auction were anything from backpacks to original paintings to signed sports memborablilia. There were even subtle tributes to Willow such as a chair made out of willow wood.
Melanie Morrow, one of Willow’s teachers, was in charge of the “Punch Game,” where those who paid $5 could punch through wrapping paper covering a cup and win a mystery prize.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many people within the community come out to support the Bense family,” Morrow states. “Willow was such a sweet girl.”
There was also another game which featured envelopes displaying a certain price; each contained a prize guaranteed to be worth the cost.
Jessica Milbrett, a close friend to the Bense family, planned the benefit: “I just wanted to help,” she states simply.
The turnout was, in Milbrett’s words, “fantastic.” The volunteers in charge of collecting payment and serving the meal had little to no break, eventually selling out the food completely.
The silent auction was a slam-dunk success, as were the various games played throughout the day. Over 200 people, according to Milbrett’s estimation, took home prizes or purchases.
“It truly was an amazing turnout from everyone in the Janesville community and surrounding areas,” Milbrett said, who also mentioned that the Bense family is deeply touched by the outpouring of support.
“‘Speechless’ is a word they have been using a lot,” Milbrett explains. “The family is very grateful for everything they’ve received from the community.”
With such a successful benefit, it’s to be hoped that the community support will be a source of comfort to the Bense family.
“The shock is still prevalent for them,” Milbrett concluded. “It takes time to heal.”