See a show, help a friend

I remember the last time I saw Emily Hodgson. Needing to feed the caffeine addiction, I had walked next door to Nails by Lynn to grab a Coke and she was there getting her nails done.

There are only a handful of people in this world that can leave an impression on you like Hodgson can.

The young lady with a million dollar smile, who played for three years on the Lady Dolphin softball team, Hodgson collapsed of a brain aneurysm in her University Parkway apartment in the early hours of June 10. She wasn't found until some 16 hours later.

A 2005 GBHS graduate, Hodgson was taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where her condition worsened over the weekend. She was able to respond to immediate family members and friends with eye contact and a hand squeeze, Hodgson has been unable to do either in recent days as a result of the medication she's under.

Emily's mother Nan, who along with husband Larry drove down from Ohio upon hearing the terrible news, says Emily's heart is working at 30 percent capacity.

"The support of the community has been tremendous," said Nan Monday.

Nan also wished to convey that, although the family appreciates all the support they've received in recent days, that only immediate family members are allowed to visit her. She's also not allowed to receive flowers or gifts of any kind - but that doesn't mean concerned citizens are helpless to do anything.

Several of Hodgson's classmates, teammates and coworkers have several fundraisers in the works, including a fund that's been set up through Wachovia Bank. The Emily Hodgson Recovery Fund is set up at all local branches, including the one at 3775 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Tiger Point.

The fund was set up by friends Kaitlin Weeks, Chelsie Biggs, Katie Clay, Tricia Outzen and Amanda Starr, all of whom qualify as former classmates, teammates and coworkers of Hodgson's.

For lovers of food and cinema - which I'm guilty of on both counts - there's a cookout today and Gulf Breeze Cinemas Friday through Sunday.

Acookout, at the house of Scott Kaspars on 1123 Tall Pine Trail, was all day yesterday and all day today. Cost is $10 per person. Because of the overwhelming response, the cookout was stretched over two days. If one brings some small food item, it'd be much appreciated.

The Breeze Cinema 8, where Hodgson use to work, has also stepped up. Buckets soliciting donations are in place at the theater's concession stand. So if you get any change back, please consider putting it there instead of your pocket.

Plus, if you attend a matinee movie (before 6 p.m.) Friday, Saturday or Sunday, half of the money brought in from the concession stand will also go to the Hodgson Fund. I'm partial to the nachos with jalapenos myself.

With two kid-friendly movies currently showing, along with PG, PG-13 and R movies currently showing, there's something for everyone to see. So, come hungry this weekend.

And most importantly, the power of prayer would sure help. Please keep the Hodgson family (mother Nan, father Larry and brother Miles) in your prayers.