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I have been blown away by the response to this event. It sparked as my sister’s idea and putting feelers out, only to grow into more than we ever hoped for. We are so blessed to have the support of our sponsors that have committed to supporting this event already and those considering how they can help. The love for our momma, be it donations of time, money or boots on the ground, has brought us to tears on more than one occasion. We cannot thank you all enough.We have the sponsorship program in place to fund this event, all sponsorship money left over after paying for mandated security, emergency services, and all fees associated with event proceeding, 100% of all remaining sponsorship money will be distributed directly to Melissa. All proceeds from event fundraisers and donations will be given directly to Melissa Yates as well. This fundraising is to help support Melissa financially through this time to alleviate her from the financial burden of living expenses, time off work for treatment, treatment expenses, any and all other expenses that may arise while she is undergoing this fight with Breast Cancer.
You may have seen our sponsorship packet posts, it has a brief description of Melissa, outlining her personal and community contributions. It was one page and took everything I could to narrow it down to not overwhelm the audience with fine details, and for the sake of there are not enough pages to really put into words the kind of woman we are asking our friends, family, loved ones and acquaintances to support.
If you haven’t met Melissa, you’re missing out. She is the momma I never had growing up. As a child from a complicated, broken family, I grew up with my grands being the parents I needed every other weekend. My mother and Father were never there for me or my brother. It left me as a grown adult with a hole in my heart. My grandparents passed as I got older. Melissa and Lee Yates came into my life through their children, nieces and nephews. From the day I met the Yates family, I was accepted. I had an open door I could come through whenever I needed. I had an ear that would listen day or night and a voice of reason that would either put me back in check or stand behind me as I stood up for myself. The only thing about this family that made me sad was the fact that I had not found them sooner.
I wish that I could say that I was special when they took me in as “barely an adult,” but honestly it is just the kind of people they are. I have grown to be a real part of the family and I consider myself blessed to be so. Over the years I have watched Melissa and Lee do so much for so many. Outside of the community work, Melissa and Lee loved the outdoors. Fishing at the river, hunting, hog bay trials are amongst some of their favorite activities, but above all that, family was what brought them Joy. Having their grandkids stay the weekends, or taking them to the woods, town to go shopping or just to pick up feed for the critters. Nana and Grampys is the place to go if you ask any of the littles in this family. Trust me when I say they’re not wrong.
Melissa, as most of you know, Lost her loving husband in 2022 suddenly. Our family was devastated. We quite honestly have done the best we can to get through that and truthfully will never be over it. Melissa despite the pain and suffering of losing your husband too soon, pushed through, and never gave up. She has fought so hard to keep going even though her heart was forever changed. Our family suffered another loss in November 2023, Grammy as we know her, but Judy Yates to so many others. She was a light and the center of all the family gatherings, she always had games for days to keep us all occupied and laughing. With every loss our family has endured, Melissa has been a pillar for strength. She shows up when someone is sick, she feeds you if you’re hungry, she will give you that 20$ for gas if your pay days don’t match up just right. She’ll listen if you need someone to talk to. She’s kind to people who have done her wrong, or don’t deserve her kindness. In fact, I have questioned her about this hoping that she would stop. Her response is always the same, “God knows what they’ve done and it's not my place to judge.” She is a bigger person than I will ever be, and better than most every try to be. She is a faithful woman, who loves her god who needs help. Please join us in person at this event to help support our momma through the biggest fight she’s faced yet.
Sponsorship is not the only way that you can help us further the impact of this event. This event will have basket raffles, if you choose, you can create a basket to donate to be raffled off at the Rodeo. A silent auction will take place, if you have things sitting around that you have no use for and would like to donate to the silent auction, we’d be happy to add your donated items to the roster. There will be an exciting bulls and barrels rodeo event for entertainment for our guests. The 4H clubs Melissa has been at the heart of will be selling food at this event and vendors will be spread throughout to display their items for sale. The absolute biggest thing you can do is show up for Melissa on August 10th, 2024 at the central Florida FairGrounds. Bring your Family, tell you friends and have them bring their family. Everyone is invited, and we hope to see you there.
If you cannot make it to the event, we ask that you join us in prayers of support and well wishes for Melissa through the fight of her life.
Sincerely,
The Yates Family
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Central Florida Fair, 4603 W Colonial Dr,Orlando, Florida, United States