Submitted photo$50,000 raised during the Allie Cat Run & Festival was donated to Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency.

Organizers of the Allie Cat Run & Festival announced this week that $50,000 will be donated to the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency from the proceeds raised at the March event.

Held in memory of Allie Carruth, who was a donor at the age of six in 2017, this is the second straight year that the event has generated $50,000 for the agency’s public education fund. In total, the event raised $77,000 in 2019 after raising $50,000 in 2018.

“It is very humbling and we feel very blessed that the community supports our family and Allie but it is also humbling that they support donor families, recipients and their families through the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency,” said Leslie Carruth, Allie’s mother, and one of the event organizers along with her husband, Bill.  “This gives me a drive and passion that keeps Allie going much like the organs she donated, which symbolizes everything. She is still here with us, no matter what.”

To learn more about MORA or to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, please visit msora.org.

Fashion show benefits Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi 

The Ultimate Fashion Show benefitting the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi was hosted April 11 at the Country Club of Jackson. Meridian natives Virginia Byrd, Hannah Byrd, Greg Cartmell and Tim Allred all played a part. Hannah Byrd, who has type 1 diabetes, works for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Her mother, Virginia, has supported the foundation since her diagnosis. Cartmell, who also has type 1 diabetes, and Allred, donated paintings to this event for their auction, helping the DFM raise funds. The Meridian Walk for Diabetes will be held Oct. 13. For more information, call 601-957-7878 or visit msdiabetes.org.

Stevens hosts art show

Artist Suzie Stevens will have a senior art show reception from 2-3 p.m. April 28 at Clarke Venable Baptist Church in Decatur. Stevens, the daughter of Marty and Rebecca Stevens, has received art instruction from Dottie Armstrong since she was five years old. While a student at Newton County High School, Stevens was a four year member of The Cougar Pride Marching Band, Cougar Concert Band, and Choir. She will continue her education at East Central Community College in the fall. 

Smith to graduate from West Point 

Tony Joshua Smith, of Katy, Texas, the son of Tony Smith and Angela Harris Smith of Meridian, is the president of the 2019 senior class at The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he serves as deputy commander, second in command of 4,000 cadets.

Smith will graduate from West Point on May 25 and will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. He also serves as co-captain on the rugby team. 

Cheryl Owens writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to cowens@themeridianstar.com.