Hot Springs city employees have just received word of their first big donation for the Rowton family: The next six month’s electricity bills will be paid by an anonymous benefactor.
“We’re so excited to announce that the Rowton’s can enjoy light and warmth throughout the winter season and beyond, courtesy of a donor in Malvern,” said Sheila Winter, city manager’s administrative assistant. “We hope that this kind gesture will inspire others to step forward and help the family in any way they can.”
Jennifer Rowton, a Hot Springs resident, was seriously injured on Halloween night when attempting to stop a drunken driver whose high-speed rampage threatened the lives of many trick-or-treaters and their families in the crowded Quail Ridge neighborhood. Rowton faces a long road of rehabilitation ahead. Her husband Terry, a nursing student, is trying to find additional work to support the family of four, which includes three children still at home, Sierra, Eli and Ethan. Jennifer Rowton’s son-in-law Nathan Sanders is also out of a job after sustaining hand injuries requiring surgery while attempting to stop the same drunken driver. Nathan and his wife Shena, who is Jennifer Rowton’s oldest daughter, have a young son, Hunter.
City employees, who have adopted the extended Rowton family as their official “Christmas family,” plan to provide personalized gifts for each family member and collect monetary donations as well. Checks may be sent to: Jennifer Rowton Fund, Malvern National Bank, 321 Section Line Rd, Hot Springs, AR, 71913. For information on the city employee Christmas family project, contact project coordinators Winter, 321-6811 or Terry Payne, 321-6806.