NARROWSBURG, NY — The sky opened up to release a cloudburst at the Beaver Brook Rod & Gun Club Pavilion, just as the Can’t Hurt Steel Community Day got under way. People were utterly drenched but their smiles and laughter outshone the rain and thunder. And why not?

Participants gathered to help one of the community’s own—and to enjoy catching up with neighbors and friends, make new friends, vie to win auction items, purchase some “merch” and partake of delicious BBQ pork, hamburgers, hotdogs and all the trimmings. 

The ground was soggy, but the air was festive and jubilant. 

The Community Day was already in the works to celebrate 10 years of service to the community when a need came to light. Bubba Fountain, a founding board member of Can’t Hurt Steel and a workhorse at every previously held fundraiser, made it known that his dear wife, Kim, had received a serious medical diagnosis. 

The rest of the board did what they always do: they immediately turned their attention to helping a community member in need. The community day quickly morphed into a fundraiser, which despite the rain, showed all the signs of being highly successful. 

Kris Hanson, a founding member of the Can’t Hurt Steel Community Foundation, said that during the planning, it was suggested that a rain date be advertised. The consensus was that a rain date wouldn’t be necessary. Whatever the weather, they knew the community could be counted on to turn out en masse, just as it always does. 

“People will come because that’s where we live,” Hanson said. 

“We want Kim to be able to feel the love that the community has for her, Bubba, and their two young children,” she added.  

Can’t Hurt Steel’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the community and to provide support to community members during their greatest times of need. 

Another job well done, and prayers and love go out to Kim and Bubba. 

Learn more about—and donate to—the Can’t Hurt Steel Community Foundation at www.canthurtsteelfoundation.org, or find it on Facebook at Can’t Hurt Steel Community Foundation.