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'Rally Around Emma Dean' events March 25 to bring Commerce together to help local girl

Event organizers Erica Hawkins and Richelle Johnson appeared live on KETR to describe the fundraising activities scheduled for Saturday.

(audio player is above photograph)

On Saturday, people from Commerce and around the region will participate in "Rally Around Emma Dean," a fundraising effort to support Emma Dean Blake, an A.C. Williams Elementary School student who has endured life-threatening medical events and faces continued costly treatments as she continues to recover from toxic shock syndrome.

Blake, the daughter of Steven and Virginia Glass of Commerce, survived the experience, but did lose both legs, both ring fingers and a few fingertips to the infection, which was caused by the strep A bacteria. Blake has returned home, but the habilitation accommodations and treatments ahead present a major challenge to Blake's family. As a result, friends and neighbors have responded with community support, leading to the March 24 coordinated day of events.

Location: Commerce Downtown Square

8:30 a.m., 5K Run
10 a.m. Proclamation
10 a.m.-3p.m. Silent Auction
12 p.m. Jeep Rally
3 p.m. Live Auction

Vendors, bounce houses, food trucks and music all day.