Radio broadcaster Brian Wheeler, the play-by-play "Voice of the Trail Blazers," shared a remarkably frank story about the hunt for his birth family. And he called his friend Jerome Kersey "the most photographed man in Vancouver today" as the former Trail Blazer star shook many hands and smiled for many cameras.
But the Clark County Salvation Army's annual community luncheon stage was stolen Wednesday by single mom Jackie Varner Hilby, who spilled copious tears and heartfelt thank-yous as she described the way she was rescued — repeatedly — by the Christian charity.
Unemployment and hunger struck her young family while utility bills and rent debt all piled up, she said. The Salvation Army helped the family climb out of that crisis with food and cash assistance, and encouraged Hilby to sign up for a Christmas basket so the family need not go without holiday cheer.
"I was treated with kindness and compassion," she told the group that assembled at the Heathman Lodge. But then major tragedy struck: her newborn daughter succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome. It rocked her world, she said, and she blamed everyone — including God.
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Source: The Colombian
