LAFAYETTE, La. — A grieving family from Vermilion Parish has set up a memorial fund for their daughter.
The generosity of many donors is helping to keep the memory of Kaylee McLain alive. She passed away last year in an accident.
Kaylee’s family and friends gathered to see her pig, Pearl, be shown at the Acadiana district livestock show. Pearl and another pig were sold earlier this year, to make a grand total of $100,000.
Amelia Detraz stepped up to show Pearl for Kaylee. She says she did it to show the family some appreciation.
“The McLains have really always helped the community, and me specially,” said Detraz. “To show Pearl, I just feel like it was my chance to help out them and give back to them. I feel very honored, and very proud to be a part of this and it’s just a very special opportunity.”
She says she helped Kaylee with raising Pearl since the beginning.
“The first week they got Pearl, I went in to help Kaylee,” said Detraz. “She called me, and she wanted me to wash Pearl and teach her how to show.”
Mallory Meaux donated one of her pigs to be sold, with the proceeds going to the fund as well. Although she says that nothing can be done to bring Kaylee back, she is happy she can help with something.
“To be able to do something physically to make sure that her memory lives on, and that no one ever forgets her contagious smile and her beautiful face, it was an honor,” said Meaux.
The McClain family set up an award to be given at the parish level, to the child with the best showmanship.
12-year-old Paytin Martin got the very first one. It is inscribed with the phrase “All heart, no shoes” to honor Kaylee’s love for being barefoot.
“It meant a lot to me because it was in honor of Kaylee,” said Martin. “It was emotional and happy all at the same time.”
You can still donate to the fund. A Venmo account has been established, Venmo@Kaylee-Abigail-McLain.Mem. Donations can be made at any Bank of Erath branch for the Kaylee Abigail McLain Memorial Fund, or mailed to Bank of Erath, P.O. Box 308, Abbeville, La., 70510.
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