Folks from all over Mineral County came together to take part in the We Care Festival in Superior, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 16. The gathering took place in front of the historic school building in the heart of Superior, and featured several different exhibits, activities for kids and live music courtesy of the Zylawy brothers. The event was intended as a fundraiser for the newly created We Care organization.

The organization got its start as the idea of Representative Gordon Hendrick. Hendrick wanted to form a charity organization that served the needs of the community, so he asked his friend and fellow community member Carla Youngkin for her input.

The organization is just in its infancy, having been in existence for a little over 10 months. Still, Youngkin has high hopes for the group.

“We’d like it to be the go-to organization for charity work,” Youngkin said.

A part of the inspiration for this group has been the difficulty of the current economical situation, and the knowledge that money everywhere is tight. Youngkin cites many instances where families have been unable to receive support because their income exceeds specifications by a few dollars. Where people in need fall through the cracks, Youngkin would like to see her organization step up and provide support.

“Smaller communities have to pull together to pick up the slack,” Youngkin said.

Saturday’s event was intended to help two families, the Hodges and the Gatchels. James Hodges’ son, Brian, suffers from an unidentified disability, and Hodge intends to build a house for Brian as a way to support him during this difficult time. Hodge has so far been able to complete the great majority of the house’s exterior, and is in the process of finishing the roof and starting in on the interior.

“I am hoping to be in it by Thanksgiving,” Hodges said.

The Gatchels, a family of four in Superior, recently lost their home in a fire. According to Youngkin, the family was unable to save much from being destroyed in the fire.

“They got out pretty much with their bare feet and pajamas,” Youngkin said.

The organization hopes to start a fund for this family as well, and to help them find housing as soon as possible.

The event on Saturday consisted of several vendors selling homemade baked goods, sandwiches and fall treats, such as caramel covered apples and freshly made apple cider. The cider was actually made on-site by Dennis and Mary Yarnall of Superior, who brought an apple press to the event and demonstrated how apple juice and cider is made.

There were also several events for kids, including a booth for games, an inflatable play place and a pumpkin-decorating contest.

The Zylawy brothers, Roman, Kenley and Wyatt, brought live music to the event with their afternoon performance of bluegrass and folk music. The boys accepted donations during their performance, all of which they donated to the Hodges family.

Overall Youngkin and Hendrick were thankful of the community support they received for this event and are happy for the funding they will be able to share with the families in need.

Hendrick has seen this inaugural event of the organization as a very good sign, and has hopes to one day see similar events being held statewide.

“This was about as good of a cause as you can get,” Hendrick said.