League Helps Its President Get Back Home

When David Jones drove up to his house on Oct. 3, his entire world was engulfed in flames.

"When I came home, it looked like a nightmare," Jones said. "You're never prepared for anything like this."

Jones, the president of Sebring Youth Football, and his two boys watched as their house was engulfed in flames, burning everything they owned but the clothes on their backs.

The family quickly realized who their true friends were in a time of crisis.

Jones dedicated hundreds of hours to the children of the community, as he helped raise money for the scoreboard and the bleachers at the new Highlands Sports Complex, a fact many in the community hadn't forgotten.

"We couldn't have had that sports complex with out him," said Sebring Youth Football treasurer Amy Alcord. "He gave so much of his time and has a real love for the kids in this community.

"So when we heard about what happened, we knew we had to come to his aid as he did for the kids."

The coaches and staff at Sebring Youth Football have organized a barbeque to benefit Jones and his family on Oct. 25 at the Highlands Sports Complex as a way to show their appreciation and help out anyway they can.

"All the coaches and staff had a meeting and we decided that we needed to do something," Alcord said. "Having the barbeque to coincide with game day for the football teams was a natural venue.

"We knew that the insurance company will cover the damages, but that isn't instantaneous and they still need clothes and living expenses until then. I just hope this'll be something to help out."

The outpouring of generosity and love has been overwhelming for Jones and his family, who saw first hand the reciprocity from the families he'd been there for during football season.

"I couldn't believe how much help this community has been to me and my family," Jones said. "The people who run the concession stand at the sports complex were their giving food and drinks to the firemen and me during the fire. I had families pitch in and give my kids clothes. I was speechless."

Jones said he'd like to thank Alcord, Tim Baker and family, the Delapal family and the Bob Duncan family in particular for all they've done to ease the pain of this tragedy.

But it all comes down to a philosophy that Jones has held firm to and has watched come to fruition over the last few weeks.

"I believe that if you do good things for other people in your life, good things will come back to you," Jones said. "I'm living proof of that fact."

The donation for the barbeque meal is $5 and raffle tickets for prizes will be sold for $2 each or 5 for $5. The event begins at 11 a.m.

To make a donation, call Amy at 381-4801 or Toni at 214-5745 to schedule a pickup of your donation.

Sebring Youth Football Benefit Barbecue

At Highlands County Sports Complex

SATURDAY at 11 a.m.

COST $5 for meal