* As of Thursday, June 5, the car wash has been canceled
so as not to conflict with Jaquan’s funeral on Saturday
Staff report
Previous coverage:
* Classmates, teachers honor Jaquan
* Richmond County teen drowns at Blewett Falls
It’s an exercise no mother should have to carry out — the one of burying her own child.
Jaquan Bailey
The people of Richmond County are rallying around Velma Dawkins, of Hamlet. Dawkins lost 17-year-old Jaquan Bailey on Saturday while he was fishing at Blewett Falls. Jaquan, only a week after celebrating his 17th birthday, had deciding to cool off while swimming, cramped and went under water. A friend’s attempt to rescue him was unsuccessful.
Instead of hosting a car wash to benefit homeless animals, the Richmond County Animal Advocates instead has diverted proceeds from the wash, scheduled from 9 a.m .to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Advance Auto Parts on Highway Business 74, to Jaquan’s family to help cover the unexpected funeral expenses.
In addition, family friend Miranda Watson has established an online campaign to solicit donations to the family for the same cause. Through 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, 91 individuals had donated $2,445 of a $10,000 goal.
Services for Jaquan Bailey, 17, of Hamlet, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday inside the Richmond Senior High School gymnasium.
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