Pipe Creek resident Mike Stewart couldn’t have expected a medical event to change his life so swiftly.
During a normal drive on Sept. 8, Mike had a stroke, followed by a series of mini strokes.
New to Bandera County in 2019, Mike and his family moved to Pipe Creek, purchasing the old Feed Barn property on Hwy 16 with a vision to build a rustic vacation destination to travelers.
After two years of developing and building, the family founded a mini country resort complete with 9 cabins, a pool oasis with pavilion and outdoor activity area.
Their goal was to attract visitors to enjoy Bandera County in a natural setting get-away from the normal hustle and bustle, while networking with and supporting local businesses.
In 2017, Mike’s wife, Amy, had her eye on the Hill Country area with the hope for a thriving change. Soon after, she convinced her brothers and sisters to follow.
Today, they all own their own homes in the same area.
In their four years, the Stewart’s have rooted into the community and gained a greater appreciation for the place that they chose to call home.
In the months following Mike’s stroke, little was left intact. Mike could not work, his trim business stopped bringing in income, while doctor’s visits and physical therapy became the sole objective.
The vacation resort never realized a profiting potential due to the economic downturn of, first, the pandemic, then, rising inflation. Soon after, they made the hard decision to sell the property.
During this stressful time, a shift occurred that the Stewart’s didn’t anticipate. Friends along the way understood their hardship and mobilized.
Amy, a staunch hard worker, not comfortable asking for anything that she can’t do on her own, could hardly object when longtime Bandera County residents Sue and Mari Espinosacwrangled in a group of willing participants and soon formed a committee to organize a benefit to raise money for Mike & Amy. Organizers hit the streets with flyers and requests.
Met with quick response, the ladies brought in support from many local businesses to donate items to auction off.
On Dec. 9, Jake’s hosted the Stroke Warrior Fundraiser for Mike Stewart.
Over a dozen businesses and more than 20 individuals donated gifts and cash. Mari and Sue provided meals for sale, other donors donated desserts for sale, and a few 50/50 raffles were held.
A large array of items were presented for silent auction, of which, locals, Scott Kaufmann and Mario Munoz presented to the crowd for live auction, selling every single item with their auctioning finesse and skill.
Rebel Roxie, a local band that is typically backed up for months to book, donated their musical talent and brought down the house with rock and blues favorites.
The stroke, which affected Mike’s speech and right-side limb mobility left him with little conversation and all smiles at the event.
Amy thanked the crowd: “I can’t believe what you’ve done for us. We are thankful beyond words. I love you all and feel a strong connection to you ‘cause you’re just as crazy as I am.”
Through money collected from food sales, raffles, a pass-around hat donation, online donations, cash & check donations, and auctioned gifts & services, the benefit raised a total of $8,734.
Businesses that donated to the cause were Tiny Schnitzel Haus, TJ’s at the Forge, Vincent’s Automotive, Quality Automotive, Millie & Marie’s, TX Design Landscapers, Average Joe Coffee, Pipe Creek Trading Co., Jacalito, 3FM Builders, Wild Horse, Red Horse, Shotguns, House of Bare Beauty, Radiant Journey, Pap’s and The Nest.
Some know Mike and Amy, many do not. This benefit was no small feat. The number of individuals that showed up for this family and the funds that were collected pale in comparison to the compassion and humble sense of duty that the people of Bandera County show to be their genuine character.
A Christmas gift for the Stewarts, yes, but year-round, these locals prove this type of dedication and service for many in need. For them, it seems as though a walk in the park — friends showing up and strangers helping strangers.
