Plans in place for Saturday's McVay benefit

With a host of private citizens and businesses backing it, a Saturday benefit for a 43-year-old native Nevadan grievously injured in a Jan. 3 train accident appears poised for success.

Larry McVay Jr., a conductor for Norfolk Southern Railway, lost his right arm and right leg when a train backed into him near Lafayette, Ind., and friends have organized a benefit hog roast and silent auction for 4-9 p.m., Saturday, at Boomer's Roadhouse at 705 N. Osage St.

"Tell everybody I'm staying strong and I'm going to make it through," McVay said recently from his home in Dalton City, Ill. "I've just got to work at it and keep my chin up.

"The only thing I'm working on right now is trying to get myself better."

Chiropractor Jason Meisenheimer, funeral director David Ferry, agricultural supplier Brantley Johnson and mover Lyndon Eberhard have opened the Larry McVay Account at US Bank.

"I'm guessing we will feed 100 to 130 people," Eberhard said Tuesday. "We stress to give whatever you can afford. Some of the merchants have really stepped up with donations of food, gift certificates and money.

"Alan Shepherd at 54 Cafe fussed at me, 'Why didn't you come to me sooner?' I don't think I've had anybody tell me 'no' for anything. That's the hometown advantage."

Among more than two dozen benefactors, Eberhard said, Henry Kraft has given aluminum foil, Gammon Car Wash 25 free washes, Ferry Funeral Home and Farmer's Ag & Grain money, Sonic Drive-in cups, Kentucky Fried Chicken plates and 54 Cafe plasticware.

"We're hoping for good weather," said Eberhard, adding that KNEM-KNMO Radio plans a live broadcast during the benefit. "As long as it's not freezing rain, we'll be in good shape. The forecast looks good.

"The community is really getting behind this. I've had to sit back and go, 'Wow!'"

McVay, a 1986 Nevada High School graduate, is remembered in part for his days as a Tigers football player and 800-meter runner in two state track meets. "I have a lot of memories of Nevada," McVay said.

"We loved to cruise the town and go to the Sonic for drinks or the White Grill for Whistle Burger cheeseburgers on bread."

His mom Claudia Roby, step-dad Ralph, brothers Robert and Clifford and numerous other relatives live here.

There is a McVay Benefit Fund at Land of Lincoln Credit Union in Decatur, Ill., and a PayPal account at benefitlarry

@yahoo.com