Falkville Health and Rehab employees take care of their own. So, when a long-time member of the family had an opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Orlando, Fla., as part of the Tokyo Olympics fanfare, they came together to show their support.

Employee Lesha Dobbins is the mother of Olympian Quanesha Burks, who will compete this weekend on Team USA in the Women’s Long Jump.

Universal Orlando is hosting the families of the Olympic athletes because there are travel restrictions to Tokyo in light of the coronavirus pandemic. With the cost proving prohibitive, Falkville Health and Rehab organized a cookout event to raise money.

City and law enforcement leaders attended the event to show their support this past Friday, including Falkville Mayor Ken Winkles, Police Chief Aaron Burgess and Brooke Jones.

Brother Don Froelich, who serves as Comfort Care Hospice chaplain, created an Olympic-themed balloon display.

The team at Falkville Health and Rehab raised $400 from the cookout.

Burks’ grandmother also worked at Falkville Health and Rehab until her retirement, according to Stephanie Coleman, Falkville Health and Rehab community relations coordinator.

Those who are interested in contributing to the travel fund for Burks’ family can contact Shiela Johnson at 256-339-9194. Donations will be collected through July 29.