The Hartman family knows just how giving the Fulton community can be.
Since their daughter's service dog died unexpectedly last month, members of Fulton VFW Post 2657, its men's auxiliary and other people have raised a goodly amount of money to replace him.
That effort culminated at a day-long event Sunday at the Post - and about 400 people made sure Addison, who is 7 and has diabetes, got her dog.
"We're still very overwhelmed. It was not what we expected - it was way beyond," said Melinda Hartman, Addison's mother.
About month ago, leaders from the VFW organizations heard Addison's service dog Keeper had been run over and killed by a car. Immediately, they took action and planned a series of fundraising events, including Sunday's gathering.
The goal was to raise enough to cover part of the $18,000 needed for a replacement service dog. The family also needs to pay their own way to California to pick up the new service dog, named Radar, who is Keeper's biological brother from another litter.
"To be honest, when we started we said if we made $6,000, we'd be happy," said Steve Harding, president of the Fulton VFW Men's Auxiliary.
However, the organizations far surpassed that goal.
"Wednesday, we're going to give the family a check for $22,447," Harding added. "If you would've told me three weeks ago that we would've collected that much money, I would've called you crazy."
A few people who went to the event with a head of hair went home bald - selling their locks as a stunt for donations. The day also included silent and live auctions, a dunk tank, games, raffles, food and opportunities to meet the family.
The money raised was the result of many members of the community stepping up and helping a family in their time of need, said Larry Underwood, VFW post commander, as he watched fellow VFW members shave their heads in front of a crowded room.
"It was a team effort and the whole town chipped in. The whole town supported this little girl. It brought the community together," he said.
Underwood said the personal connection with the Hartmans' made the day important to many.
"There are too many charities where you donate money and people don't know what they're donating to, but this something physical where you can see the girl," he said.
The event was attended by VFW members, motorcycle clubs, charitable organizations and others. Harding said a majority of the diverse crowd in attendance at Sunday's event may not have even known the Hartman family personally.
"I'd say 95 percent of those people didn't know the family. This community is going to help people if they need it," he said.
A lot of money was given away in games and raffles - but when the winners were anounced, most of them stepped up and said "donate it" instead of taking their prize, which was a common occurance throughout the entire day, said Harding.
"All the bingo, everyone that won donated it all back," he added. "All the people that won contests and raffles donated it all back."
In addition to the members of the VFW, auxiliary and their families who helped host the event, several community leaders also gave of their time and money to help raise funds. Many people were wearing candidate T-shirts for the Aug. 2 primary election, including candidate and incumbent county commissioner Randall Kleindienst.
He sat at the edge of a plank while donors purchased softballs to throw at a target, dropping him into the dunk tank over and over.
"People put all of their politics and personal beliefs behind them to come together for that little girl," he said. "We all come together for the good of the family; that's what the community is all about. Every dime that was raised there went to the family."
The charitable donations by community members have reinforced his perception of the people in Callaway County, according to Kleindienst.
"I already knew that we live in one of the most giving communities in this part of the world," he said. "We have a lot of good people in Callaway County."
He said the most incredible thing about the fundraiser was the effort given by hundreds of donors, from the large donations to the smallest.
"Everyone chipped in and did that they could do," he said. "It was touching to watch."
Hartman said her family was very excited to attend the event and were able to form bonds with many members of the community.
"Addison was super excited. We all made a lot of good friends," she said. "When my husband and I walked out of there, we looked at each other and said 'We have another family here.'"
She said she felt people understood and responded to their need for Addison's new dog.
"None of this would've been possible without them," she said. "These people will never be forgotten."
Soon, members of the Hartman family will be flying out to California to get Radar and bring him home. Now, they don't have to worry about how to pay for that flight or the new service dog.
"It's amazing how everybody went out of their way," she said. "It's a daily struggle dealing with how the world is. (It's good to see) all these loving, caring and giving people are still out there."
Members of the VFW organizations will present the final check to the Hartman family at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the post. A dinner consisting of pulled pork sandwiches and sides will also be available for purchase. All are invited to the event.
