Speaker Pat "Paddy" Neville with Robin Derryberry
Linda Hullander and Tori Smith
Sgt. Jason Smith with Bill and Linda Hullander
Steps2Hope founder Mark Wilson
House plan
Steps2Hope, which made a new home possible for Tori and Sgt. Andrew Smith, is planning a similar home creation for Ringgold's Army Sgt. Jason Smith, who lost both legs to an IED.
The brand-new home for the Jason Smiths will again be on property at Apison donated by County Trustee Bill Hullander and his wife, Linda, near their London Lane farm.
A “Hope Above the Clouds” fundraising dinner at the Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain on Saturday night helped to raise funds for the project.
The featured speaker for the event was retired New York City firefighter and military veteran Pat "Paddy" Neville. He shared his experiences as a first responder during the terrorist attacks of 9/11 as well as responding at other major disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.
He will be leading a team of firefighters for the local build.
Again, a host of contractors and suppliers are offering their services free for the wounded veteran.
Construction is set to start on April 30 and be ready for move-in nine days later.
Both Smith couples were at the dinner.
Lauren said she met her husband through her brother. It was after the disabling accident.
She said, "I just looked at him, and I knew that he could get through this."
Their daughter, Lila Jean, was also at the event.
For more information, visit www.Steps2Hope.com