Community rallies to help Fulghum family
By Steve Herring
Published in News on January 8, 2015 1:46 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- The community has been "gracious" in its support in advance of Friday night's fundraiser for George Fulghum and his family, said Lynn Williams.
Mrs. Williams, one of the event organizers, said now it is important that there is a good turnout for the fundraiser itself.
Fulghum, 45, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August, and since then has undergone three brain surgeries, a course of chemotherapy and radiation.
"He is back at Duke. They are evaluating what the next step is," Mrs. Williams said.
Friends of Fulghum and his wife, Lynne, organized the benefit plate sale and auction Friday at the Bobby Denning Banquet Hall on N.C. 55 West.
Fulghum is a Mount Olive town commissioner and the owner and operator of Concrete Specialties.
Mrs. Fulghum was working as a part-time dental hygienist. They have a 10-year-old daughter, Georgia.
Mrs. Fulghum is the daughter of Eric and Gloria Johnson, who have operated Johnson's Wheel Alignment and Brake Service on Ash Street in Goldsboro for many years.
The family has health insurance coverage, but Mrs. Williams said without a steady income their savings would be easily depleted.
More than 20 homemade cakes have been donated for the auction.
There has been a "good variety of stuff" from the community such as gift certificates and handmade items including a homemade lap quilt, she said.
"We are looking at 100 or more items," Mrs. Williams said. "People have really been gracious. It has been a good response."
The spaghetti lunch plate sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., drive through only. Dinner will start at 5 p.m., eat-in or take-out.
The cost is $8 per plate.
"We hope to sell 2,000 plates," Mrs. Williams said.
For tickets, call Crystal Jones at 919-222-4322.
Tickets also are available at Buddy's Jewelry, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, Kornegay Realty, Mount Olive Chiropractic, The Noun, East Coast Service Center, Ribeyes, Mount Olive Town Hall, Bobby Denning Furniture, Team Financial Resources, and Especially for You/W.P. Martin.
The auction starts at 7 p.m.
"It should be a fun evening," Mrs. Williams said.
Jimmy Martin will be the master of ceremonies and will entertain beginning at 6 p.m. Cage and Ben Bullard, young sons of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bullard, will play the fiddle.
Timmy Evans of Kenansville will be the auctioneer.
A fund, the George Fulghum Family Benefit Fund, has been established at Southern Bank and Trust Co.
Donation can be made at any bank branch office. They can also be taken to the Mount Olive Presbyterian Church.
"We will make sure they get to the bank," Mrs. Williams said.