By MELISSA HART
Michigan Correspondent

With open hands and generous attitudes, concerned family, friends and supporters showed up to support Heath Penick, a dairy farmer from Orland, Ind., who is recovering from injuries sustained after falling an estimated 60-feet from a silo on his family farm.
Spearheading the entire benefit was friend, Mark Mohney from Purdy Ford New Holland of Hillsdale, Mich.

“It was the least we could do considering what the (Penick) family is facing with hospital bills,” commented Mohney. Standing near a table filled with auction items, Mohney pointed out that several businesses and individuals donated a plethora of goodies to be auctioned off.

An ATV trailer from Farmco Distributing, toy tractors and figurines from Wells Equipment, beer signs from OK Distributing, a cooler and a blanket from Greenstone Farm Credit Services along other interesting items donated from Purdy Ford New Holland, the Hampton Inn, Benedicts Restaurant, The Andersons, Crystal Flash and MMPA just to name a few, made up an offering that would boost a total benefit income to $14,500.

“The Coldwater Eagles have been a big help, they donated all their time in preparing the meal and serving it and the Ladies Auxiliary also donated some items for the sale, so they should get a lot of the credit for this success,” Mohney explained.

Brian Hasty and Roger Ford donated their auctioneering services while TNT provided the evening music entertainment.
Shelley Hardy of Tipton, Mich. attended the benefit with her husband Gregg and son Parker.

“Heath and his family have been good friends to us over the years, we have lots of memories showing cows with them and have enjoyed their friendship,” said Hardy. “It’s amazing how he has recovered, we are really blessed to have Heath still with us.”

Penick’s three sisters and father were in attendance to receive the numerous guests that came from as far away as the Grand Rapids, Mich. area.  Heath’s sister, Chris was able to report on his rehabilitation citing his progress as miraculous.

“Heath looks like the same old Heath with only one scar on his face, and he acts the same too,” she commented. She also stated that he is recovering nicely, and they are hoping he will be home for a visit at Christmas time.

Terry Penick, Heath’s father commented that he was very appreciative of everyone’s support and that words cannot express how thankful they are for family, friends and total strangers who have come forward in support of their family. The father of two young sons, Penick fell from a silo on their dairy farm and was flown to a Ft. Wayne hospital, where he has had multiple surgeries and has been recovering ever since. Among other injuries, he suffered head trauma, a broken femur and the bones in both feet were crushed.

A second benefit is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Mooville Creamery in Nashville, Mich, hosted by Doug and Louisa Westendorp and family. They will provide an Amish-made meal and will host an auction as well. All proceeds from the meal and auction items will go directly to the family. For more information on this benefit you may contact Mooville Creamery at 517-852-9003. To make a monetary donation to the Penick family you may send it to 5660 N. 800 W, Orland, IN, 46776.