A Community That Cares: Central Tops $20,000 for Devon Gales

Article by Mia Freneaux
    Last month, the city of Central came together in a big way to help one of its own.  “Devon Gales Day” was held on December 5 to raise funds to help Devon and his family with medical expenses he has incurred due to an injury he suffered in September.  Devon, a 2013 graduate of Central High School, was playing football for Southern University against the University of Georgia when he suffered a severe spinal injury.  Since then, he has spent most of his time receiving therapy at the renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta.  
    “Devon Gales Day” garnered over $17,000.  Debbie Dougherty, who organized the event with Betsy Barnes, said they decided to see if they could reach $20,000.  With the help of the Central High School Student Council, who did a fundraiser of their own selling shirts, and the continued donations coming in, they met that mark just recently. Last Tuesday, at the City Council Meeting, Donny Gales, Devon’s father, was presented a check for $20,043.00 by Central High Principal David Prestcott.  “We are so thankful for the fundraiser,” Donny stated, “It was so awesome.”  The Gales family has been amazed at the outpouring of love and support from people they don’t even know.  
    Debbie and Betsy thanked the sponsors of the event: the City of Central and Mayor Junior Shelton, IBTS, Winn Dixie, the Lagniappe Band, Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant, Senator Bodi White, Clerk of Court Doug Welborn, Gil and Michelle Matherne, Steve Rabalais, Jeff Couvillion, Jon and Sandy Antoon, Dr. Kim Fralick, and John Vance.  They also recognized the services of all the cooks: Louis DeJohn, Ronnie Bonecaze, Bill McLin, Rodney Bonvillian, Wade Giles, Kenny Dougherty, the Central Perk’s Crew, Brittany Fryday, Adleigh Denham, Ava Denham, Sarah Grace Lieux, CHS Head Coach Sid Edwards, CHS Coach Frank Fresina,  and the entire CHS Football Team.  In addition, those who contributed auction items were Tony and Melanie Achord (owners of Southern Heirs Auction), Junk In the Trunk, Cody and Whitney Lewis, Mike Gardner, Melanie Gardner Smith, Danny ad Cheree Brown, Tim’s Guitar Shop, Pat’s Hardware, Covers Unlimited, S Lynn’s Boutique, Breigh Anne’s Photography, Bombshell Boutique, Lancaster House, La2La Boutique, Trey Marino’s Central Florist, Terrell and Rhonda Lewis, Salon Bella, Southern Charm Market, Stabs Restaurant, Sammy’s Restaurant, DeAngelo’s Restaurant, Caliente Mexican Craving Restaurant, Café Phoenicia Restaurant, Raising Cane’s Restaurant, Walk On’s Restaurant, Marty J’s, Central Hallmark, Smooch My Pooch, Swamp Water Kustoms, Bayou Pawn, Drusilla Imports, Steve and Gloria Chiek, The Island Golf Resort and Blaine Patin.  
    Meanwhile, WAFB sports anchorman Jacques Doucet, known for his “Red, Rock & Blue” fundraiser held in July each year to benefit Blue Star Moms and “Support Our War Heroes” charities, is sponsoring a fundraiser for Devon THIS FRIDAY at The Varsity.  “I went to The Varsity and told them ‘we need to do a concert for Devon’, and they immediately agreed.  We lined up 3 high quality bands, who are all donating their time.  It’s a really great ticket – I’m very excited about it,” Jacques enthused. The VIP pass allows access to the balcony and all you can drink.  Tickets can be purchased online at varsitytheatre.com, or at The Chimes Restaurant before the event, or at the door.  
    Donny shared that Devon reported last Monday that he had a tingling sensation in his knee, so the team at Shepherd began focusing on doing therapy with his lower extremities.  This is wonderful news, and proves the resiliency and determination of this remarkable young man.  Debbie Dougherty shared, “When he left the hospital in Georgia to go to Shepherd, the staff was glad to see him move on but sorry to lose him.  They told him he was such an encouragement to everyone on his floor!”  The best news yet- Devon is scheduled to return to Baton Rouge late this month to begin therapy at a local facility.  “He told me he was ready for some Louisiana cooking,” Donny shared happily, “he wants a big pot of gumbo!”  A welcome home party is in the process of being scheduled once Devon has had a chance to settle in.
    Contributions are still being accepted at Central High School for Devon.  Make your checks payable to Central High School, put “Devon Gales Account” on the memo line, and send it to the school.  Thank you to Gigi Starns at CHS, who Debbie says has been “super awesome” about keeping the account for Devon.