"Hope for Hailey" Car Wash Raises Money and Hope for Teen
By: Jessica Reyes
Updated: April 2, 2011
Despite recent speculation from city officials that missing Colorado City teen Hailey Dunn is likely dead, volunteers proved hope for the girl's safe return is alive and well at a Hope for Hailey car wash Saturday afternoon.
Volunteers of all ages showed up to the First National Bank parking lot in Colorado City to scrub down cars, including several of Hailey's Colorado Middle School classmates.
Eighth-grader Jeremy Rivera said he's doing all he can to help out the efforts to find his friend.
"I hope that me coming out here and doing this is going to be able to help out with the searching," he said.
"Hope for Hailey" volunteer, Holly Jenkins, said they decided to do the car wash so Hailey's peers could help out. Many of her friends are too young to search, as searchers must be over 18.
"We asked the middle school kids to come help and volunteer. They've been wanting to help for a while," Jenkins said.
Clint Dunn said he was upset by news earlier this week that Colorado City officials believe his daughter is likely dead.
"Of course it had me depressed. We don't believe she's dead and we're still searching for her," he said.
A steady stream of cars came to the fundraiser throughout the afternoon. Colorado City resident Jeremy Rhoades stopped by and donated $10.
"To me, that's one of the best ways I can donate some money is for a good cause," he said.
The event brought in more than $300 for Hope for Hailey search efforts.
"We're just trying to figure out how to make some money to help get fliers made and help pay for the gas and running all the booths and stuff," Clint said.
Rivera said he refuses to give up hope he'll see Hailey in the halls of Colorado Middle School again someday.
"Her seat's still empty and we're still waiting for her to come back. Still there. Still waiting," he said.
Although "Hope for Hailey" volunteers said fewer people are showing up for their weekly searches, they're going to continue having events and fundraisers to keep Hailey's name out there.
Volunteers of all ages showed up to the First National Bank parking lot in Colorado City to scrub down cars, including several of Hailey's Colorado Middle School classmates.
Eighth-grader Jeremy Rivera said he's doing all he can to help out the efforts to find his friend.
"I hope that me coming out here and doing this is going to be able to help out with the searching," he said.
"Hope for Hailey" volunteer, Holly Jenkins, said they decided to do the car wash so Hailey's peers could help out. Many of her friends are too young to search, as searchers must be over 18.
"We asked the middle school kids to come help and volunteer. They've been wanting to help for a while," Jenkins said.
Clint Dunn said he was upset by news earlier this week that Colorado City officials believe his daughter is likely dead.
"Of course it had me depressed. We don't believe she's dead and we're still searching for her," he said.
A steady stream of cars came to the fundraiser throughout the afternoon. Colorado City resident Jeremy Rhoades stopped by and donated $10.
"To me, that's one of the best ways I can donate some money is for a good cause," he said.
The event brought in more than $300 for Hope for Hailey search efforts.
"We're just trying to figure out how to make some money to help get fliers made and help pay for the gas and running all the booths and stuff," Clint said.
Rivera said he refuses to give up hope he'll see Hailey in the halls of Colorado Middle School again someday.
"Her seat's still empty and we're still waiting for her to come back. Still there. Still waiting," he said.
Although "Hope for Hailey" volunteers said fewer people are showing up for their weekly searches, they're going to continue having events and fundraisers to keep Hailey's name out there.
Comments
You can help find hAILEY AND OTHER missing children women and men quickly and safely and assure other families do NOT feel the pain of a missing loved one in the future add your voice SEE http://t.co/IzokaQO
Bill T.
April 10, 2011 at 7:06 pm
