Jenni and Henry Feldhaus were keynote speakers at Wednesday's silent auction/luncheon fundraiser for the Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County. They spoke about Jenni's recovery from a life-threatening aneurysm. (T-G Photo by Kay Rose)

It was an innovative idea that reverberated with success -- as validated by the enthusiastic crowd attending Wednesday's Community Clinic Spring Fundraising Luncheon, "It's In The Bag."

Every "bag" and related items generously donated were sold at top dollar during the silent auction, according to event chairman Valerie McConnell, who described the inaugural event as "absolutely awesome."

"We surpassed our monetary goal and were extremely pleased with the attendance," said McConnell, who headed an organizational committee consisting of JoAnn Holland, Geneva Smith, Deb Insell, Sarah Hunt, Jenni Feldhaus and Gail Binion.

Darryl Phillips, Clinic board chairman, expressed his appreciation for the community support and cooperation in making the fundraiser a "huge success."

"I am grateful to the folks who put this all together and appreciate all the individuals and organizations for [their] support," said Phillips. "[Wednesday's] event is a symbol of how wonderful this community is. It pulls together to do the right thing for those who need help. That is, in a nutshell, what it's all about -- making a difference in the lives of others."

McConnell introduced keynote speakers Jenni and Henry Feldhaus who gave a brief but inspirational review of Jenni's struggles and recovery from a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Jenni was rushed from Bedford County Medical Center to Vanderbilt Hospital on Jan. 30 following a week-long headache she had thought was a migraine.

"I got excellent care at Bedford County Medical Center and Vanderbilt Hospital," Jenni said, recalling with unruffled good humor her close call and ongoing recovery.

"When I finally looked in the mirror," she recalled of a post-surgery moment, "I had a punk rock 'do.'" While she related with a grin that her children recommended dying her Mohawk-like style purple, she opted, instead, to shave it off.

Jenni, a Clinic board member, praised the work done by the facility in its goal of providing medical care for the working uninsured.

"We try to serve that part of society most overlooked -- people who are working, but at minimum wage," she said.

Jenni bowed to her husband to talk about much of her time in the hospital, weeks during which she was too ill to remember.

"We went through some very scary events," said Henry, his voice breaking as he added, "You could tell when the prayers kicked in, for Jenni began getting better. What a community we live in!"

Henry said Jenni is now off all medication completely and making another step forward each day.

Outgoing board chair Sarah Hunt, next on the agenda, represented the board in expressing gratitude to St. Thomas Health Care Systems for its indispensable support of the Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County. Tom Blankenship represented St. Thomas Health Care in accepting an appreciation plaque.

Hunt also recognized representatives of Partners for Healing, the Tullahoma agency after which the local clinic was patterned.

The luncheon closed with Phillips again expressing appreciation for the community's generous support, noting, "You have truly shared the wealth."