Fundraiser to benefit 6-year-old attacked by dogs

WRIGHT COUNTY, Mo.-A six-year-old girl from Wright County is continuing to make remarkable progress two months after she was mauled by dogs in her family's yard.

Pearl Hartley has been recovering in the hospital since July 29th and community members in Hartville wanted to find a way to help support the family with medical expenses by holding a fundraiser.

The Hartley family has only lived in the area for three years but says the community has really taken them in.

"And then when we moved here, we noticed that people were very close and that they really actually enjoyed each other's company and making friends was highly easier," Kiara Hicks said. "Especially on Pearl's behalf, she was able to just click with every single person that she ever met here."

Community members from Mansfield and Hartville all gathered at the Hartville Saddle Club Arena Saturday to raise money for Hartley and her family as she continues recovering.

"So we're here today to support Miss Pearl. To try to gain as much money for their living expenses while they are up there," Brandon Bolfing said. "It is just going to a great cause. And we appreciate each and everybody that came out here today to support her."

Bolfing is a member of the saddle club and says that another member approached him about doing a fundraiser.

"So one of our members, Chastity Duggar, she knew the family, so she reached out to us, said we should do a benefit and I was like, let's do it," Bolfing said.

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"Every dollar that we raise tonight is actually going to be going towards Pearl and my family to help us start transitioning her home and helping with the medical expenses," Hicks said.

Hicks is Pearl's older sister and part of the reason she is still alive today.

"I was on the phone with 911 taking her pulse and her breath regulation. I had started doing CPR. And right before we had gotten to the hospital in Mansfield, she had woken back up and I was able to save her life. I didn't stop CPR until we had got stopped at the hospital so I could get help," Hicks said.

Hicks also stressed the importance of being prepared before a tragic event strikes.

"Yes, I would 100% get CPR certified. If you have a young child living at your house, if you are not living alone, because you never know an incident like this," Hicks said. "It is a miracle knowing that you are able to save somebody's life."

Bolfing said they raised just under $18,000 at the end of the auction.

Hicks also said they are planning a Police, Fire and EMS escort when Pearl comes back home. There is also a GoFundMe set up for the Hartley family for medical expenses.