News Summary
The Florence community is uniting to support local resident Ritchie Cormell, who is battling serious health issues. A chicken bog benefit event, organized by Cooks for Christ, will take place on April 10 at the West Florence Fire Station. Funds raised will help cover Ritchie’s mounting medical expenses as he faces a liver condition and the prospect of a transplant. Attendees can enjoy a hearty meal for $10 while contributing to this worthy cause.
Florence Comes Together for Ritchie Cormell with a Chicken Bog Benefit
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the folks in Florence are gearing up for a special event on April 10—a chicken bog benefit aimed at helping local resident Ritchie Cormell. Ritchie, a 61-year-old beloved member of the community, is currently facing tough health issues that have left him in a challenging situation.
A Community Effort with a Purpose
Cooks for Christ, a local organization dedicated to assisting those in need, is stepping up to host this benefit which will be taking place at the West Florence Fire Station, located at 3379 Pine Needles Road, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The community is rallying together to ensure that Ritchie gets the help he desperately requires as he battles significant health challenges.
Ritchie worked tirelessly for 15 years at Honda of South Carolina before stepping away from his job due to serious health concerns. His battle began last August when he faced hospitalization for a month and received a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a progressive condition that damages the liver over time, leading to its inability to function properly. This condition is even more complicated by a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy, which impacts brain function because the liver can no longer filter toxins effectively out of the blood. As a result, Ritchie experiences symptoms like confusion and short-term memory loss, which has made his day-to-day life even more difficult.
The Need for Support
With mounting medical expenses including medications, hospital visits, and the looming need for a liver transplant, Ritchie is really in a tough spot. Unfortunately, he’s also without insurance, which makes it even harder to manage his medical bills. Thus, the funds raised during the chicken bog benefit will be essential for covering these essential costs and can provide Ritchie with a bit of relief as he navigates this challenging chapter of his life.
A Delicious Meal for a Worthy Cause
So, what can folks expect at this benefit? For a mere $10 per plate, you can enjoy a hearty serving of chicken bog, accompanied by green beans, slaw, and bread—perfect comfort food! And for those who may be worried about cash, just a heads-up: debit and credit cards won’t be accepted at the event. Instead, checks should be made out to the Ritchie Cormell Medical Fund.
If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, there will be drive-thru lanes set up, allowing you to pick up your meals without ever stepping foot outside your car. It’s a win-win!
A Community United
What’s even more impressive? The sheer effort behind this event. Over 80 volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to prep the food, and a grand total of 175 volunteers are involved in making the event a reality. Talk about a community banding together for a good cause!
And let’s not forget about the sweet tooths out there—Cooks for Christ will also host a bake sale throughout the day to further support this important fundraiser.
Join the Effort
If you’re in Florence or nearby, marking April 10 on your calendar is a must! Not only can you treat your taste buds to some incredible chicken bog, but you’ll also be making a real difference in Ritchie’s life. The support shown by the community truly reflects the spirit of Florence—a city that knows how to come together in times of need.
Plan on stopping by for lunch or an early dinner, and let’s show Ritchie that he’s not fighting this battle alone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence Wine & Food Festival Celebrates Local Culinary Scene
Florence Hosts Benefit Event for Local Musician in Need
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cooks for Christ Chicken Bog Benefit
- Legacy: Mitchell Cormell Obituary
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Google Search: Health Care Costs
- Wikipedia: Cirrhosis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liver
