| Sources |
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 15 Jun 2006.
Newport Fireman Bryan Gregg Dies Suddenly
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 28 Jul 2009.
Birthday cake and pet food
Author: Duay O'Neil
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
NEWPORT—Malerie Fancher's birthday party on Sunday at City Park's pool was pretty typical. The rising Newport Grammar School fourth-grader swam and splashed with family and friends to celebrate her upcoming ninth birthday.
But one thing was a little atypical. Instead of birthday presents wrapped in brightly colored paper and bows, Malerie was presented with bags and bags of pet food.
"Several months ago, she saw a story on television about a child who asked for pet food to take to the animal shelter and said she'd like to do the same thing," said Malerie's mother Beth Fancher. "And that's all she's talked about since then."
So that's what the Fanchers did...planned a party around pet food. Guests were invited to the gala event and urged to bring bags of food for dogs or cats instead of the traditional presents. For those who chose financial gifts, these were designated for the purchase of pet food.
Malerie's love for her two cats and one dog is legendary. She describes her calico cat Callie as "the sweet one," her champagne tomcat Moe as "the big fat pouter," and her Yorkie-mix Lucy as "the crazy one."
The Fanchers contacted the Newport Animal Shelter, where director Dr. Carol Hood enthusiastically embraced Malerie's wish.
"She told us it was a wonderful idea," Beth said.
Malerie will continue to accept additional gifts of pet food until her actual August 12 birthday, when plans call for her to deliver the food to the shelter.
When not doting on her pets, Malerie, the daughter of Terry and Beth Fancher, enjoys her work with the Spirit Factory, a competitive cheerleader squad.
For the past year, she has swum with the Newport/Cocke County Rapids and has a fistful of ribbons earned at various metes. Her specialty is the backstroke.
She also follows in the Fancher tradition as a member of First United Methodist Church.
Her grandparents are Jimmy and Valda Gregg and Dean Fancher, all of Newport, and the late Gene Fancher. She has one big sister Megan, who resides in Knoxville.
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