By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
April 27, 2001
Friends of 8-year-old Jeromy Sullivan, who was severely burned on March 1, have rallied for a Saturday fund-raiser to help pay for the boy's medical expenses.
A barbecue plate benefit has been scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Vimville Fire Department, near Southeast Elementary School.
Jeromy was transported to Delta Regional Medical Center's burn unit in Greenville shortly after an outdoor fire at his home left the boy with third-degree burns.
Jeromy's aunt, Martha Tubby, said Jeromy and his brother were left unattended at an outdoor fire. When the youngster thought the fire had died, he reached for a plastic gas jug and opened the lid. The gas trickled out and the flames ignited the fumes, causing the jug to explode.
They boys' mother, Tammy Sullivan, had gone to the store and left the youngsters in the care of her boyfriend, Tubby said.
The older brother was treated for burns to his hands and face. He has since recovered. Jeromy has undergone surgery at the burn unit for the severe burns he sustained from his hairline to his chin, from his shoulders to his fingertips and from his thighs to his feet.
Mary Allen, a family friend, said Jeromy developed an infection this week and isn't doing as well as expected.
Allen is sponsoring the benefit along with Danny Ivy, a Meridian firefighter.
For a $6 donation, residents will get a barbecue half-chicken with baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw and a roll. Raffle tickets, at $1 each, will be sold prior to and during the benefit.
All proceeds will go toward the Jeromy Sullivan Fund set up at Citizen's National Bank, where residents can also make donations.
Plates will be delivered with a 10-plate minimum order, and volunteers will deliver as far as Collinsville.
For more information, contact Mary Allen at 626-0300 or Danny Ivy at 485-1875.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.
Who is helping:
Raffle items were donated by these businesses:
Bible Bookstore Bible on cassette
Linda's Fine Jewelry Ladies Pulsar bracelet watch
The Meridian Star Umbrella, "Sports 100 Book," coffee mug
Wal-Mart Zebco Legacy 1 fishing reel
Country Craftsman Wood framed angel picture
Judge Little Company Reach Beyond backpack
Little Caesars Pizza One free pizza a month for a year
Garrett's Sporting Goods Coleman lantern
Hooper Electronic Supply Company Dreamcast gaming system
Southern Sportsman Hunting jacket