Although they were opponents on the basketball court, the Wayne and Wakefield communities were partners in helping a family in need last week.
In October, Chad Metzler, a teacher at Wakefield Community Schools, had a heart transplant. He is now on the road to recovery, but unable to go back to his teaching position.
His wife, Susan, is a teacher at Wayne Community Schools and has been at her husband's side through the ordeal, also unable to teacher.
During last week's scheduled boys and girls basketball games between the Wakefield Trojans and Wayne Blue Devils, the communities came together for food, fellowing and fundraising for the family.
The event was organized by Sara Schlickbernd and Leah Jech (teachers from Wakefield), Emily Sims (a teacher from Wayne) and Megan Raulston, Tiffany Plager, and Melissa Hansen (church members from Journey Christian Church where the family attends services).
The group organized a free-will donation meal and served approximately 500 people.
In addition, a Silent Auction with 50 donations provided by businesses and community members from both Wayne and Wakefiled were up for bid.
Among these were a signed volleyball from the 2025 Nebraska Cornhuskers, a battery operated loader tractor from Grossenburg, many hand-made quilts and stained glass panels, just to name a few.
"A fun part of the evening was a live auction in between the girls and boys varsity games where they auctioned off four basketballs - two signed by the Wakefield girls and boys teams and two signed by Wayne teams," Schlickbernd said.
As part of the event, Wayne residents Donna and Vic Sharpe had a table set up where people could get information and sign up to become an organ donor through Live On Nebraska. There were nine people who filled out the paperwork that evening.
Funds to support the family are still be accepted at State Nebraska Bank & Trust, 122 Main Street, Wayne, NE 68787.
