Community continues to raise funds for Sharon Black | Strand Notebook

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Sharon Black of Conway, who was trying to win a mobility van to help her maintain the independence she has struggled so hard to have. A lot of you voted for her on the contest website.

She ended up with 6,080 votes and was in the top six, but she did not win the van.

Because her old van is on its last legs and the lift is not strong enough, she can’t even use a new more modern wheelchair that she has.

Black, 57, was born with brittle bone disease. She is only three feet tall and has never walked, but she did teach herself to climb out of her wheelchair through the window of a car that had not been equipped for her, and drive it sitting on a pile of pillows before she got her first van.

She works at Frank’s Riverside Stadium theatre in Conway, always greeting movie-goers with a big smile and directing them to the right theatre.

People in the Conway community and others are responding to her plight because without a van, she loses her independence, so people are trying to help.

Chick-Fil-A of Conway is having a fundraiser for Black on August 11 from 5-8:30 p.m. She will be given a percentage of the money coming from food sold inside or at the window. The more food that is sold, the higher her percentage will be. The event will also be advertised on Chick-Fil- A of Conway’s Facebook page. Paul Alverson is the owner/operator of that business.

The same evening, the motorcycle ministry Heirs of the Throne will have a fundraiser ride for Black beginning at Chick-Fil-A, where its president, Jeff Edgerton, is a manager. All riders are welcome. Registration is from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Riders will eat before kick stands go up at 6:15 p.m. The cost is $20 per bike and $5 for each passenger.

“We’re just like a motorcycle club except we carry the gospel and we try to do the work of Christ,” Edgerton said.

Black has been through more than most people can imagine, but her attitude is great and she is very attentive, uplifting and encouraging to other people. She said a new van will cost about $70,000, and a used one would probably be over $30,000.

You can read more about her at a “go fund me” page at www.gofundme.com/zfgarhdg#

A Bank account has also been set up. Donations can be made to Sharon Black at any T D Bank. If you know of any grants that might help, please let her know. She can be reached at 365-5681.

Chick-fil- A in Conway is at 1613 Church Street. For more information about the Heirs of the Throne or the ride, call Edgerton at 446-8137.

This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Community continues to raise funds for Sharon Black | Strand Notebook."