Friday and Saturday, people at the Mullin Rodeo showed just how big their hearts are by “filling the boot” with donations for DerekScott Kirby or “Bubba” as friends and family call him.
Although the crowd was small, Kember Croft and her friends (pictured to left with her horse Chakoti) raised $120 to help with expenses the family is incurring during Bubba’s hospitalization. Pictured below are Croft and friends in their Bubba’s Angels t-shirts at the rodeo.
Just like the story in the Bible about the Widow’s Mite (Luke 21:1-4), even small amounts given can and do mean a lot. People all over the state, even those who have never met Bubba, are hosting events such as t-shirt sales, car washes, Chili’s Fundraising nights, and more to help.
“I am DerekScott ‘Bubba’s’ Grandmother,” stated Jean Kirby on the Bubba’s Angels Facebook page. “Thank you for thinking of our Grandson in this way.”
Others have posted such greetings as “These kids are awesome! Go Bubba Go! What an amazing group of folks coming together during a time of need!”
“In times of need…” it is true, area residents seem to come to the plate to help each other. Fundraisers for those who have illnesses, whether terminal or those that are just temporary, help ease strain on a family’s finances. Donations to those who have lost their homes in fires, Doers Ministry feeding the hungry, and the growth seen recently in the 
Brown County Relay for Life proceeds are just a few examples of people stepping up to help their neighbors. It has been amazing the fundraising that I have seen in the almost 20 years that I have lived in the area.
Thank you to those who work so hard in these efforts.
Bubba is a 3-year-old who has local ties in Goldthwaite and Brownwood and has been fighting for his life after swallowing dirt in a rodeo arena while “Mutton Busting”. He was diagnosed with Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) which stems from E. Coli. Bubba has been hospitalized at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin and recently was moved to Baylor’s “Our Children’s House” last week where he will start rehab and recovery.
Lisa Tipton is the Marketing Director for BrownwoodNews.com which began in July of 2009. Lisa can be contacted at lisa@brownwoodnews.com.