Auction scheduled to benefit accident victim

An auction to benefit Alexandra Umphenour and her family is being planned for 1:30 p.m., May 1, at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Mound City.

Marty Read Auction Service will host the event. All proceeds will go to the family. Alex, 20, was in a horse accident Feb. 13 which left her suffering from severe head trauma. She is currently at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Neb., in a coma, a news release said. Her parents have stayed by her side the entire time.

The release says all proceeds from the auction will go to Alexandra and her family to help cover the mounting medical expenses, the release said.

Naomi Read, auction organizer, said she and her family have been friends with the Umphenours her whole life. "We just grew up next door to them," she said. Naomi's mother gave Alex and her sister riding lessons.

"We have what it takes to put on an auction, so I wanted to try and get the community involved and make a way for everyone to do their part. I thought if I could set this up, everyone would have a way to give."

Several donations have come in, but Read said more are needed and everyone has something to give. Two horses have been contributed, a new trailer from a manufacturing company, custom-made cowboy hats worth $800-$1,000 and a spa day from the Courtland Hotel in Fort Scott.

Other businesses have also donated services such as haircuts and lawn work.

"There's something for everybody," Read said. "There will be toys. ... The auction service is not getting anything for it."

Those who would like to donate items, or know someone who would should contact Read at grace.naomi@gmail.com, naomigraceful@facebook.com, or call (913) 406-6191.

For updates on Alexandra's condition, visit http://www.facebook.com/TeamAlexandra. To see what will be auctioned off, visit www.facebook.com/TeamAlexBenefitAuction.