A Fayette County family is asking for help from the community as they try to raise enough money to give a loved one a proper funeral following an abrupt death.
On Oct. 1, Scott Mcknight, 39 of Jeffersonville, tragically took his life, according to his family. The sudden death was already too much to bear for his children, Ryan White and Trevor, Chelsea and Tyler Mcknight, but now they face another challenge. The funeral, which was scheduled for this Saturday, might not occur if the children cannot raise enough money. In an effort to raise the funds, the children are looking to the community for help.
“We will be holding a benefit Friday night at 8 p.m. at Bottoms Up Bar and Grill (located at the Jeffersonville Crossing) where at least 10 percent of the food proceeds will go toward the funeral expenses,” Teresa Maynard, co-owner of Bottoms Up, grandmother of three of the children and prior mother-in-law of Scott’s, said during an interview Wednesday. “It would really mean so much to the children and myself if we could get the help of the community in this hard time. They have really been left to deal with these expenses and it is already hard enough losing their father like they did. You can also donate directly to the Powers-Kell Funeral Home in Jamestown.”
The benefit will feature food from the business as well as a 50/50 raffle and silent auction to help raise money. Currently a Rusty Keg gift card, an item from Peebles and other items will be raffled or sold. Entertainment will also be provided from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. from Rockin’ J’s DJ Service. Monetary donations and donations for the silent auction will be accepted.
“It is very crucial we get the help by Saturday because that is when the bill for the funeral needs to be paid,” Maynard said. “I knew Scott for over 20 years and always knew him as a hardworking man who really loved his family and was good to everyone. We are still hurting so bad from the loss and his kids continue to deal with it every day.”
Additionally, donations to a gofundme.com account will also be used to help pay for the funeral expenses. Currently, 19 people have raised nearly $1,500 of the $6,500 goal on the site. The link is www.gofundme.com/nw5kc45k or search the Jamestown zip code 45335 and select “Help Me Be Able To Bury My Father.”
“When I knew him he told me that I was the only mom he really had,” Maynard said through tears. “Even after he remarried he still told me I was his mom.”
For more information, or to make a donation, contact Bottoms Up at (740) 426-3030 or Maynard at (740) 606-3064.
