RIDGE, Md. — The Ridge community is coming together this weekend to lift up six-year-old Brooklynn Wells and her family. The Ridge Volunteer Fire Department will host Community, Family & Friends: Your Generosity Changes Lives on Saturday, Oct. 25, to help the Cooks and Wells families through a challenging time.
The event runs from 2 to 10 p.m., with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to the Cook and Wells families. Admission is $20 per person or $40 per family, and the day will feature live music, raffles, a silent auction, food, and family fun.
The family’s challenges began earlier this year when Bobby Cook, Brooklynn’s grandfather, became seriously ill while away from home and spent several weeks in intensive care. Now on dialysis and unable to work, Bobby’s condition had the family focused on preparing their house in Ridge for his recovery and homecoming.
As Miranda Cook and Khyri Wells, Brooklynn’s parents, worked to get everything ready, life took another heartbreaking turn. During those preparations, Brooklynn was outside helping in the yard when she tripped near the mower her father was operating. In an instant, a family working to bring one loved one home found themselves facing another emergency — this time involving their little girl.
Brooklynn lost her foot in the accident on July 9, 2025. She was airlifted by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 to a trauma center in Delaware, where doctors performed multiple surgeries and a partial amputation.
Brooklynn returned home on July 31, beginning a long road of healing, rehabilitation, and adjustment. Through it all, her parents have balanced medical appointments, therapy sessions, and the care of her younger siblings, Autumn and KJ, while managing the strain of medical expenses and missed work.
The upcoming benefit gives the community a chance to rally behind the family — to show that even in the hardest times, small towns stand strong together. Organizers say the day will be filled with gratitude, hope, and the reminder that neighbors helping neighbors is what truly defines Ridge.
Entertainment throughout the afternoon will include DJ Wild Wes as MC, live performances by the Shawn & Mike Duo (2–6 p.m.) and Riley Allen Music (6–8 p.m.), plus a kids’ entertainment area (2–6 p.m.).
Community members can follow the event on Facebook for updates, raffle details, and a preview of silent auction items, which are being shared in the discussion posts leading up to the event. All are welcome to attend and show their support for Brooklynn and her family.
Anyone wishing to help or learn more about the event can reach organizer Jessica at 240-925-7114.
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