Free clinic to hold fundraiser

An extravaganza fundraising event for the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties will be held Friday and Saturday at the Grover King VFW Post 1115 in Hillsville.

Friday night starts at 7 p.m. and will feature bluegrass and old-time music with JoAnn Redd & Friends, Kilby Spencer & Friends, The Heritage IV, James Marshall and The Highlanders.

Hot dogs and drinks will be available, with $5 admission.

Saturday night will include dinner, an auction and gospel singing from 3-6 p.m. Choose between chicken or ham, three vegetables, bread, dessert and drink for $6 per person (children under 5 are free).

The auction will begin at 6 p.m. and items include a La-Z-Boy recliner, rocking chair, chest of drawers, computer desk and hutch, DR trimmer (used), organ (used), VFW collectors banks, Dale Earnhardt Jr. case with helmet and die cast car, Virginia Tech collector die cast car, collectible trucks and much more.

Gospel singing begins at 7 p.m. featuring Saved By Grace and The New River Boys.

If anyone would like to help, or for more information, call Jerry Watson at 236-3550.

Watson said he's hoping that 300-400 will be in attendance at the dinner and auction on Saturday.

“This clinic is important for Galax and the Twin Counties,” said Watson, a volunteer who is helping with the event, along with many others and several churches in the community. “People really need to step up and help with.”

All proceeds from the extravaganza will go to the Free Clinic, which provides free medical treatment and medication for those who can't afford care and/or don't have health insurance. It serves more than 300 patients in Galax and the Twin Counties with many more on the waiting list.

It relies on donations, fundraisers, grants and community support to stay in operation. Several fundraisers are also being held in hopes of opening a free dental clinic and pharmacy.

Due to scarce funds and more low-income individuals, the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties is struggling to keep its doors open. It costs nearly $10,000 a month just to operate the facility.

For more information or to make a donation, call 236-0421.