Organizers of a fundraising event held last Friday in Exira was a big success. Several communities rallied together in support of an Exira area youth, Jon “Waffles” Herron. Jon is a junior in the Exira-EHK Community School district. Over the last two years, he’s experienced both his parents passing away and then to come home on prom night to find the home where he lives with his aunt burning down. The home was a complete loss.

front row: Kaele Lange, Kate McAlpin, Jon “Waffles” Herron, Jared Hansen, Jen Neville, Jessica Wood, Jake Paulsen
second row: Mitchell Pigeon, Rachel Walker, Nelson Zach, Harrison Olson, Cody Kommes
3rd row: Kennedy Madsen, Rachel Smith, Margo Christensen, Katie Kunik, John Schultes, Martin Olson

The communities put together a fundraiser for Jon and his aunt Kathy. The Exira Rec Center was packed. Organizers say there were waffle irons as far as the eyes could see. A free-will donation got those who attended the event waffles, sausage and all the fixings. There was also a bake sale that brought in additional funds. A forty-two inch flat screen TV was raffled off, and the winner of the television, Darrell Schroeter, donated it back to Waffles and Aunt Kathy.

Jon and Kathy would like to thank everyone who came out to support them. A thank you goes out to all of the area businesses, organization and people who donated time and money to make this all happen. The monetary donations along with the household and clothing donations have been so appreciated. They plan to stay in the area and hope to rebuild.

In all, the Waffles for Waffles fundraiser brought in over $9000. Any other donations can be made to the Exchange State Bank in Exira Iowa.