Jana Inskeep, an 11-year-old participant in the Frederick County 4-H community, had received a devastating leukemia diagnosis and had been admitted to the hospital mere weeks before the fair began, as reported by the Frederick News Post. On that particular Saturday, an incredible outpouring of support from both her fellow agriculture enthusiasts and the broader community rallied around Jana Inskeep.
Clark, reflecting on her decision, shared, “My mom and I were discussing the sale of my steer, and suddenly, we had this spontaneous idea: ‘How about we allocate 10% to Jana?’”
In a touching gesture, Clark’s sentiment was echoed in a note read aloud by the auction announcer, Josh Ruby: “We love you, Jana. Fight hard.”
Numerous members of the 4-H and agricultural community joined forces to support Inskeep, ultimately raising an impressive sum of around $130,000 during that extraordinary Saturday.
Emily Ruby, who, along with her husband Josh, was involved in the auction business, commended the community’s steadfast solidarity during critical times, expressing, “When emergencies arise, they come together, side by side, offering as much assistance as they can.”
Clark’s steer found a buyer at the Derby Bar & Grill in New Market, fetching an admirable $5,000, with a generous $500 earmarked to support the Inskeep family. Clark expressed her wish that this money would go towards providing nourishing meals for her friend during her hospital stay.
Meanwhile, as Inskeep watched a livestream of the auction from her hospital room, her twin sister, Jacy, and older sister, Jordyn, stepped up to showcase the animals she had raised before falling ill. Fellow 4-H members warmly greeted Jana Inskeep through the camera, ensuring she remained an integral part of this heartwarming event.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the auction was Inskeep’s impressive 1,380-pound steer, attracting substantial attention from over two dozen individuals and businesses. Remarkably, after its initial sale, the steer was generously donated back to the auction for a second round of bidding.
In the end, the sale of Inskeep’s steer generated an astonishing $57,000 for the Inskeep family. In total, the community came together to contribute an astounding $79,500 for the steer, a turkey, and a pig that Inskeep had lovingly nurtured.
Emily Ruby praised the selflessness exhibited by Delaney Clark and her fellow 4-H members, such as Zack Mills, Kaylee Mathews, and Lexi Bureau, who all dedicated a share of their earnings from animal sales to assist Inskeep. Furthermore, Wolfe Auction contributed by generously directing the proceeds from the sale of the “Wolfe Pig,” contributing an additional $4,250 to the cause.
Further funds came in via the Wolfe Pig Fund, with individuals pledging additional contributions beyond their auction bids. Emily Ruby disclosed that, in total, nearly $90,000 was generated through the sale of Inskeep’s animals, donations from 4-H participants, and the Wolfe Pig sale. An additional $42,000 was received from the community through the Wolfe Pig fund.
Wolfe Auctions continues to accept contributions through its website, with all of these donations specifically designated to assist Inskeep.
Josh Ruby succinctly encapsulated the sense of togetherness and backing, remarking, “Having been part of this community for many years, I can attest that every time a 4-H member faces hardship or is in need, this is how our community always rallies together. There are no words; that’s what community is all about.”
