Stephen's Dinner for Life

Stephen's Dinner for Life was held at Stonewood Gardens on June 18th and was a huge success. Over 275 people attended the event and it raised $4000 for the Kentucky Circuit Clerk's Trust for Life organization.  It is the objective of the Trust

Dick Veale, double organ recipient and author

to raise public awareness and encourage organ and tissue donation throughout the Commonwealth.   Following a delicious meal, Dick Veale, double-organ recipient and author, spoke about the miraculous gift that saved his life. The night concluded with live music with Borderline, a local band that donated their time and talents to the worthy cause.

Rick and Judy Elrod with Shelley Heaverin and
Mike Redden, Pendleton County Circuit Clerk.

Stephen's father, Rick, spoke of how Stephen valued the organ donation program and registering as a donor. He recalled the day of Stephen's accident. "It doesn't bring him back, but it brings awareness," said Rick. "With all of the other horrible things going on that day, we didn't have to make the decision for him to donate. He did that for us, and tonight is a way to continue his work and spread his name."



He concluded by giving a check for $3500 to Shelly Heavrin, Executive Director for Ky. Circuit Clerk Trust for Life. After all the bills were paid, an additional check for $500 was sent to the organization. For our first benefit, our hopes were to break even and possibly make a couple hundred dollars to donate to such a worthy cause. Little did we believe we would receive the support that we did.

Mark and Carra Surgalski
Stephen's best friends and roommate.

The event received monetary support from several businesses and individuals such as Ale-8 Marketing Company, Sunrise Corporation, Can-Dew Recycling, Bob and Carol Griffin, Brian and Beth Griffin, Happy and Bobbi Osborne, State Representative and Mrs. Tom McKee, Dr. John Reid, Sean Roseman, Chad and Melody Simms, James and Allison Biggs, Robert and Joyce Carmack, Jim and Jill Conway, Barth and Pam Johnson, Carol Klaber, JoEllen Mitchell and family, Doug and Judith Spritzky, Dan and Pam Moreno, Dale and Peggy Prebble, Marvin and Sandy Sullivan, Steve and Patti Thomas, Gary and Marsha Thompson, and Xanadu Salon.

Jackson Stephen Reed and proud dad

We received other support from the attendance of good friends and acquaintances.  One of the guests that attended  the evening was Jackson Stephen Reed. He is the newborn son of Chris and Lauren Reed, a couple that went to Georgetown College with Stephen. They wanted to name their son after one of their best friends, Stephen.


We have learned these past couple years that in the hardest of times, it is with the support and shoulders of your friends, family, and the church that give you the strength to overcome adversity.

Molly Faust and Emily Kiniyalocts, co-workers of Stephen