SEDLEY
A Southampton Middle School sixth-grader had her second annual Silent Auction recently at Sedley Baptist Church, and this year, she more than doubled the amount raised.

Madelyn Cosby, 11, raised more than $2,600 for Graz’n Acres, the local therapeutic horse riding center, and she presented the check this past Saturday.

“We are so very thankful for the community support and look forward to next year,” said Kasey Cosby, Madelyn’s mom. “It was wonderful seeing everyone come and support us. Madelyn having her teachers come, as well as her first-grade teacher, who has since moved away, made her day.”

Cosby said they were hoping to raise more than $2,000, and everything fell into place to make it happen.

“There were definitely more people that came and the rain held off, as we’d hoped,” she said. “I think involving a local charity and having their support, as well as just continually putting the word out there helped.

“Special thanks goes out to all our silent auction donors, Graz’n Acres’ Board of Directors, our church family and friends.”

Cyndi Raiford, director of Graz’n Acres, said she was mostly contained to the back due to the demand for the barbecue plates, but that she enjoyed the turnout.

“There were a number of people in and out, and Madelyn does a great job with her art work,” she said. “There was a lot of support from the community in donating stuff as well for the silent auction.”

Raiford said the money raised would go toward supporting the horses and students.