Mount Pulaski and Illiopolis folk show love for Melody "Ma" Reed

[October 04, 2016]   MOUNT PULASKI - Saturday, September 24, 2016 the American Legion Home was the place to be in Mount Pulaski. A huge crowd turned out to support one of the communities most beloved waitresses.

Melody Reed, or as she is affectionately known as “Ma” is battling cancer and people from both her hometown of Mount Pulaski and her current community of Illiopolis showed up in full force to throw their love and financial support Ma’s way.

Ma currently works for the Old Brickyard Grill and Pub on the square in Mount Pulaski and has a vast experience of waitressing throughout her lifetime. She was also once the secretary for the local grain elevator and her lively personality has touched the lives of many.

Saturday evening’s events included a silent auction, a music trivia contest, a 50-50 drawing, a live auction conducted by Mike Maske and friends, and a pulled pork dinner complete with all the trimmings.

Mike Maske is shown here conducting the live auction with the help of Roger Bohn. A tremendous crowd bid on things ranging from Harley Davidson memorabilia to a dozen cupcakes a week for an entire year by local baker Jean Seitzer.

The family of Ma was certainly overwhelmed with the generosity shown the entire evening.

Of special mention is a very kind gesture on behalf of Mike and Cathy McCubbin. The McCubbin’s won the bid on a handmade quilt made by Ma’s ma, Jean Naylor. The winning bid was over $300 and Mike and Cathy McCubbin could be seen shortly after receiving the quilt, walking over to the corner of the room and handing it over to Ma’s son, Dillon Reed.

Dillon was overcome with emotion. A very nice gesture indeed on their behalf.

The 50-50 drawing was worth a grand total of $2,461 and it was won by Marsha Hurley.

All-in-all, the evening was a huge success and the family spoke expressing their sincere gratitude.

Ma was unable to be there as she was still hospitalized at the time. She is back home currently. She will continue to fight her battle and know that she has many people in her corner.

Ma is married to Dave Reed. Ma’s children are Stephanie Leesman, Andy Jones, Dillon Reed and Morgan Reed.

God bless you, Ma, and we love you!

[Teena Lowery]