TEXARKANA, Ark. - The Texarkana community braved Saturday heat and brought its support for Blake Sampson, a critically injured 2-year-old currently recovering from a head injury in a Dallas hospital.
Crossties in downtown Texarkana hosted the event, which featured a poker run, auction, live music, a car and bike show and more.
"It has been a good event, lots of the local community turned out to support," said Don Evans, one of the event organizers and director of Invisible Riders out of New Boston, Texas.
"We had the mayor's (Allen Brown) office make an appearance, the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department, all showing up to help raise funds for Baby Blake's medical needs," said Evans.
The Dwight Nevill Memorial Fund was the primary group involved in organizing this event. Nevill was well known for his generosity to help the community and was owner of Dwight's Bikers Dream in New Boston. Nevill died last year.
According to Al Green, another event organizer, Blake is doing better, but still in intensive care.
"Blake is in a step-down unit and breathing on his own," he said. "But he has no motor skills at this time. We know he is having ups and downs, we are just here to help. In the hospital and out, we will write a check to help Blake."
Blake's mother Madison Ball is a Texarkana resident. Blake was taken to a Dallas hospital on April 22.
The target fundraising mark for this event is in the $30,000 to $50,000 range.
"It looks like we will hit our goal," said Evans.
Blake's grandfather, Gary Sampson, was pleased with how the event and its fundraising.
"This is pretty overwhelming," he said. "All the support, all the groups, bikers, Al (Green), Lisa Downs (organizer and neighbor of the family), I appreciate them all doing this."
Funds continue to be raised, even beyond this event.
"The Dwight Nevill Memorial Fund is still gathering resources," said Downs. "For those who want to help out, call Al Green at 903-908-4609. Also, there is a GoFundMe taking place. Donate to that at the Blake Sampson Medical Expenses Organized by Al Green fundraiser on GoFundMe."