Community comes together

The only things stronger than the chili made by the Quay County volunteer fire department was the spirit of generosity by the community to help fire fighter Jess Weaks in his battle against cancer.

More than 300 county residents attended the chili cook-off benefit held Saturday at the Quay County Fair Barn.

The purpose of the benefit was to raise money for Weaks, who is currently battling throat cancer.

"I really don't know what to say; I'm not even sure I deserve such an outpouring of support," said Weaks, who was unable to attend the event due to being overwhelmed by how many people turned out.

The event was coordinated by the seven fire departments of Quay County but could not have been such a success without the efforts of all the family members, fire fighters, businesses and volunteers, said Quay County Fire Marshall Donald Adams.

The cook-off was a way for the members of the departments to help one of their own, said Danny Wallace, Rural 2 fire chief.

Wallace said Weaks has more than 30 years of service with the Rural 2 volunteer fire department. He said members of the Tucumcari, Rural 2, Logan, Forrest, Bard Endee, Rural 1, Rural 3 and the EMS /flight crew of Aeromed helicopter services all participated in hosting the cook-off.

Adams said money was raised by the purchase of batches of chili, most of which were sold out, that was cooked by the fire department as well as desserts. He said items donated from many local businesses were used in the cook-off and during a silent auction.

"I want to say thank you to everyone," Weaks said. "It's so hard to put into words just how much all that they have done means."