Fundraiser at Cowboy Jack's in Fredericksburg held in honor of manager's of 3-year-old son

A first-time fundraising event at a Fredericksburg restaurant in April raised $3,300 for Children’s Hospital Foundation. Funds were raised by Cowboy Jack’s, a national restaurant chain with one Virginia location, through direct donations and the sale of special bracelets and t-shirts that were designed to raise awareness of autism and support a local organization.

Samantha Fredo Smyth, general manager of the Fredericksburg location, organized the fundraiser in honor of her 3-year-old son, Brody, who has autism. Brody receives weekly physical, occupational and speech therapy at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s (CHoR) Fredericksburg Therapy Center.

“Brody has progressed a lot since starting all his therapies,” Samantha said. “I probably do not thank his therapists enough because as much as they help him on a weekly basis, they also help and teach me.”

Cowboy Jack’s month-long campaign culminated with a benefit concert on April 28 where the restaurant donated a percentage of the day’s sales. Additional donations were received from a local radio station, musicians who participated in the event, restaurant patrons, and Samantha’s friends.

“The support we received from the community was overwhelming,” Samantha said. “I feel blessed to work for a company that not only cares about the staff but the community we live in.”