Local Family Receives $100,000 from Utah Billionaire

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Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 7:15 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 1:18 PM MDT

By Nate Eaton

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Channel 3 first told you about the Clark family from Rexburg in December.

They have five children. One passed away, the other four are in wheelchairs with muscular dystrophy.

On Friday, talk show host Glenn Beck hosted a benefit in Idaho Falls for the family. Before he went on stage, Jon Hunstman Sr. called him and asked how much money he thought they'd raise from the benefit show.

Beck told him it'd be around $100,000. Huntsman then said, "You tell the Clark family that the Huntsman family is sending them a check for 100,000 dollars."

Thursday, that check arrived...and channel three was there when Rexburg mayor Shawn Larsen presented it to Ruth Clark.

Shawn Larsen, Rexburg Mayor: "I am pleased to present you this check from Jon Huntsman for $100,000. I am pleased to be able to be hold it but I'm more pleased to be able to give it to you and it's thrilling that that's happening for our community and happening for you and your family."

It's a moment Ruth Clark and her family will never forget...sitting in the Civic Auditorium Friday night when Glenn Beck announced Utah billionaire Jon Huntsman was sending a check for $100,000 to the Clark family.

Ruth Clark: "I was shocked. I was just shocked. I mean I've always heard that he's been kind and generous but I never would have imagined that it would have happened to us."

Rexburg mayor Shawn Larsen was at the show when he heard the announcement.

Larsen: "I was shocked. I thought it was a great gesture to the family."

With Huntsman's check, organizers believe they raised about $200,000 from the benefit...money this family says they're extremely grateful for.

Clark: "I still can't believe it. All this has just been a miracle after miracle after miracle and I just want to thank everybody that's been so kind and has put all their time into this and for everything that they've done."

The day after we told you about the Clark's in December, someone anonymously dropped off a big white van at their house.

It's not set up for wheelchairs so that's the first thing the family plans to do with the money.

For more information on the benefit, Click Here.

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