Mattison family awash in support as benefit draws near
Elisia Mattison watches as the bid rises in the Holmes County Fair swine auction. Her pig brought $25 per pound, courtesy of Agri-Sludge. The community showed its support for the Mattison family throughout the fair auction, aiding the family financially after the loss of their father Randy.
When Randy Mattison passed away earlier this summer after being diagnosed with lung cancer, it left an enormous hole in the hearts of his family, neighbors and community in the Winesburg area.
Not only that, but also it left a financial burden on the Mattison family, who had little time to get their finances in order because it was a mere several days between his diagnosis and passing.
His wife Carrie was left to support her children, Randy Jr., Miguel, Elisia, Alex and Harlee.
To show its support, the community has created the Randy Mattison Family Benefit Dinner and Auction, which will take place at the Winesburg Fire Department on Sept. 3 from 4-8 p.m.
Tickets for the event will be sold in advance and at the door, where a barbecue chicken dinner awaits those who attend. The cost per plate is $12 for adults and $10 for children. In addition, there will be a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction.
According to his wife Carrie, Mattison found out he had lung cancer on June 21, and it had metastasized to the liver. Five days later he passed away, leaving the family stunned and heartbroken.
“They said he had it less than six weeks,” Carrie Mattison said.
Randy Mattison worked for Case Farms, running the wastewater division for the past 21 years. Before that, he ran the water department at Gnadenhutten. It was in Gnadenhutten Agri-Sludge President Thomas Abraham met Mattison and grew to respect him.
After buying Elisia’s swine at the fair, Abraham talked with Carrie and Elisia, telling them the story of how he knew Randy.
“We had no idea there was any connection,” Carrie Mattison said. “It was touching to hear him talk about Randy, and it meant the world to us to hear such kind words.”
For the Mattison family, the community outpouring of love has helped immensely through this early period.
“It’s been such an emotional time, but this community has blessed us so much,” Mattison said. “This community and the people at this fair support everybody. They have touched our lives and given us so much support through this time.”
That community commitment proved even greater at the Holmes County Fair, where the children took their animals to the auctions on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 11-12. It was there their story flowed throughout the crowd, where bidders graciously responded.
Harlee’s pen of three broilers was purchased by Case Farms for $500. Case Farms then purchased Elisia’s pen of three broilers for $850. A local woman bought Elisia’s pen of two ducks for $400 while the Holmes County Prosecutor’s Office purchased Harlee’s pen for the identical amount. Harlee’s market turkey went to Commercial & Savings Bank for $500. Then came the biggest purchases, where Harlee’s market swine was purchased by Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen for $25 per pound, which amounted to $5,950, and Elisia’s market swine was purchased by Agri-Sludge for $25 per pound, amounting to $5,650.
“I’m humbled, and it feels good to see people helping our family out,” Elisia said.
Carrie said at times like this, being surrounded amidst a close-knit family allows them to lean on one another. She said the community has been there since Randy’s passing, and it has meant the world to them.
“That support is so important,” Carrie said.
There is still time for anyone who would like to donate to the benefit, either financially or by donating a raffle basket of any kind.
To purchase any of the tickets or to provide donations, call Tara Amerine at 330-323-4133 or Michelle Sanner at 330-432-0509.