Approximately 300 people attended the benefit for Paula’s Cafe Sunday, February 25, 2018.  (Mound City News Photo)

By Mound City News

A benefit was held for Billy and Paula Stone of Paula’s Cafe on Sunday, February 25, 2018, at the Extreme Fireworks Building in Mound City, Missouri. A fire earlier this month destroyed the popular restaurant in Craig, Missouri. Patrons of Paula’s Cafe immediately stepped up and got the wheels rolling on the benefit.
According to Susan Liles, one of the organizers of the event, approximately 300 people dropped a freewill donation into the bowl before picking up a plateful of ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll and dessert. Volunteers prepared and served the meal. “We were shocked that so many came to the benefit and the last person through the line got the last of the food, but no one went home hungry,” stated Liles.
Two guns were raffled at the benefit. Julie Umbarger of Westboro, Missouri, won the Ruger 10/22 gun. The Savage .22-250 gun was won by Larry Wright of Craig. Ronnie Flint of Fortescue, Missouri, was the auctioneer for the donated items that filled one wall of the building. Approximately 100-150 people stayed for the auction. Organizers were very pleased with the auction results.
Area residents and patrons of the only restaurant in Craig are hoping that Paula’s Cafe can use the money raised at the benefit to rise out of the ashes and become the successful restaurant it once was.