Gene and Cathy Smith

A group of local residents has raised more than $40,000 during and following a Jan. 23 fundraiser to benefit Gene Smith (59), of Shelby. Smith, a longtime employee of Sewell Contractors Inc., was diagnosed in 2012 with Renal Cell Carcinoma. His right kidney was removed in March 2013 and he subsequently underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and three rounds of radiation therapy.
 Gene and Cathy, his wife of 32 years, and their son and daughter-in-law, Tripp and Emily Smith, would like to thank the more than 700 people who attended the fundraising dinner, which was followed by an auction of items donated by family and friends. The auction alone brought in $17,500 of the total raised and donations are still being received.
 The Smith family would especially like to recognize and thank the following people for their contributions to the success of this event: Ronnie Sewell, Miranda Kinmon, Tony Sewell, Candace Sewell, Harry McKee and his cooking team, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Pastor Greg Martin, Rick Washburn and Shelby Savings Bank, Landmark Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, Larry Thomas and Ahern Rentals, and Bob and Sandy Melton and Fox Distributing.
 Anyone who wishes to contribute to this fund may address donations to: Gene Smith, PO Box 2713,  Shelby, NC 28151 All funds will be used for medical bills.
Provided byMiranda Sewell Kinmon