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Fundraiser to benefit Byrne set
Published Friday, May 23, 2008
NATCHEZ — Friends say Mike Byrne is the type of man who would give anyone the shirt off his back.
Now, when the owner of the Marketplace Café and his family are in a time of need, members of the community are in turn doing exactly what he would.
Last Saturday, Byrne suffered from a stroke and an aortic aneurysm.
He was transported to Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria after suffering a stroke on Lake Concordia while on a fishing trip. It was while he was being admitted to the hospital that he had the aortic aneurysm.
According to his cousin Johnny Byrne, with hospital expenses, the expense of his family traveling back and forth to Alexandria and the disability of the major breadwinner of the family, the budget will be tight and the community wants to do something to help.
“They’re going to be faced with a ton of expenses,” Johnny Byrne said.
Help will come in the form of a fundraiser Saturday evening that will feature music, food and family festivities.
The event, spearheaded by Johnny Byrne and long-time friend Donnie Holloway, is a community-wide effort.
Johnny Byrne said there have been between 30 and 40 people donating time, money and food so far.
“People are coming from all over donating goods,” Johnny Byrne said.
Holloway agreed that people from near and far are making great contributions for Mike Byrne and his family.
“Tremendous contributions have been made,” Holloway said. “It’s been outstanding.”
To raise money there will be cakewalks, bake sales and raffles.
But probably the most money will be generated from selling food.
People can choose from boiled crawfish, all you can eat for $20 or $5 chicken quarters or a $5 pulled pork plate.
Two bands will be providing the music for the event that takes place at 5 p.m. at the Marketplace.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Johnny Byrne said.
Holloway said he’s expecting a good turnout.
Anna Byrne, Mike Byrne’s wife, said she hopes to attend the event.
“I want to be there on Saturday,” she said.
She said the family wants to thank everyone for their love and support.
“I just want to thank everyone for everything they’ve done for me and my family,” she said. “It has been amazing, I just can’t get over it.”
She encourages everyone to attend the event and have a good time.
“That’s what Mike would want,” she said.
While there will be fun to be had by all, when it all boils down, it’s pure and simple reciprocity.
“If this happened to me or you, he’d be the first one to come,” Johnny Byrne said. “Mike’s the first one to jump up and volunteer to help.”
Comments
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When exactly and where...I want to be there and contribute?
Posted by Bigfish (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are all pulling for Mike and the Byrne family. Please take the time out of the your weekend to stop by the marketplace and and lend your support.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sammohon, 5 PM Saturday at the Marketplace.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TY jammin1 for the time and place...May GOD be with the Byrne's family...
Posted by NoWireHangers (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there an address where out of town folks can send a
check?
Posted by priya (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can I give you my address to send that check to DahlingILuv
Posted by Doc_Fungo (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnny Byrne & Donnie Holloway have set up an account at a local bank for donations to the Byrne family.
Checks can be made payable to John P. Byrne, Jr. or James D. Holloway c/o The Mike Byrne Family Fund. Be sure it includes The Mike Byrne Family Fund in the memo. Anyone can mail their help to P. O. Box 1505 Natchez, MS 39121
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish the best for the Byrne Family. They are great people.
My thoughts and prayers are with them as will be my donation.
Posted by brandy2006 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Market Place Cafe 5/24/08 @ 5pm. bring the family!!!
Posted by GopherBaroque (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The two bands are "The Reunion Band" and "Veterans of Foreign Bars." Music starts at 7 p.m. The Reunion Band is made up of Natchez Musicians who graduated from Natchez-Adams County Highschool between 1965 and 1968 and had bands at that time. The band members from back in those days included "The Midnighters," "The Fourmost," "The Tempos," "The Secret Seven," and others.
Posted by GopherBaroque (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Forgot to mention former members of "My Generation."
Posted by dmcneely (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "Veterans of Foreign Bars Band" is out of Jackson. Don McNeely is the drummer for this blues/classic R&B group and will also be playing with the Reunion Band. There will be continuous music for the evening. Please make plans to be there for this great cause.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would love to attend this event. Mr. Byrne and his wife have always been ones to throw big benefits for those in need so I want to do my part in helping him and his family. God does have His hand on such giving souls such as theirs. God bless.
Posted by jack (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nice man and family i will be there to support them please join me
Posted by John (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We plan to be there, too. I understand there is also a blood drive today.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a great idea. I wish I was down there to go to this. I hope many will show up and support this family.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hang in there Mike!! You too Anna. I won't be able to come but do intend to send something for the fund.
Put your address up Priya...... I got a check for you..... tasteless fool....
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