ELLERBE — An estimated 500 people crowded around the World’s Largest Strawberry Thursday evening for the first concert of 2023 — and to raise money for a young girl struggling with health issues.
The near-80-degree temps and sandy dance floor added to the beachy atmosphere as shaggers danced to hours of R&B classics from the Sand Band.
The set list included “Shaky Ground” by Delbert McClinton, Bo Diddley’s “Road Runner,” and Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey.” Phil Lowder of the Entertainers joined the band for a verse of the Wilson Pickett hit “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You.”
(Note: The Entertainers will be performing July 6 at Rockingham’s Plaza Jam.)
See photos at the bottom of this story.
Berry Patch owners Lee and Amy Berry turned the concert into a fundraiser for “Baby Grayli” Davis.
According to her mother, Sydney Treece, 18-month-old Grayli was taken to the hospital nearly two weeks ago with a Group A strep bacterial infection that got into her blood stream.
“They didn’t think she was going to make it,” Treece told the RO. “She was so dehydrated and weak.”
Grayli’s blood vessels were too weak to hold the fluids being pumped into her that they leaked into her body, Treece said. The infection also caused blood clots that went to Grayli’s fingers and toes and she had to be put on several meds to constrict the blood flow to her extremities to save her vital organs.
Treece said Grayli’s right lung is nearly collapsed “but improving every day.”
“There is a possibility of her losing some fingers and toes, or just the tips of some of them,” Treece said, “we are still unsure on that.”
The mother added that the surgeon is going to wait for Grayli’s body to heal for a few weeks before making a decision.
“She is going to have to re-learn how to use her hands, how to feed herself, how to walk, and run.”
To help raise money for the family, the Berrys rented 16 beach-side seats at $25 and auctioned off the privilege to sit in the “big chair.” The winning bid was $1,000 from Big K Propane.
Max’s Millstone BBQ, which had a line of customers throughout the entire show, donated 10% of its sales to the cause.
There was also a 50/50 raffle that raised $2,000, with the winner donating back 10%; an auction for a Merle Norman gift basket that brought in $140; and a donation jar.
The final tally was not yet available late Thursday night.
“We’re just so thankful for every prayer, donation and caring act that everyone has done on our behalf,” Treece said. “The support we have received during this time is amazing. We are blessed to be a part of such a great community. To see everyone come together like they did at the fundraiser held at the Berry Patch restores our faith in humanity, and shows just how much love we all have for one another.
“Our county may be small, but we always come together in times like these, and we are so thankful for you all.”
