Bethany’s Buddies are having a party and inviting everyone in the community to join in.

The community group will be celebrating meeting their fundraising goal for Bethany Bibb, and the party will be from 1 until 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, on Quincy Street in Ironton, between Eighth and Ninth streets, next to New Jerusalem Christian Center, where Bethany attends.

Bethany, an Ironton High School student, is waiting on a double-lung transplant. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 3. The fundraising goal was $35,000, to cover all transplant related expenses not covered by insurance.

“We have $37,600,” said Belinda Brown, community coordinator for Bethany’s Buddies, the group of volunteers who led the fundraising efforts. “It’s unbelievable really. When we started out, I thought we might not be able to achieve that amount. It’s a miracle. It didn’t take that long.”

Brown said Robert Pleasant coordinated the celebration.

“We plan to have some entertainment and inflatables. No charge, no cost. We are going to have an assortment of cakes,” Brown said. “It’s for the community to come and have some cake and punch so we can thank the community.”

The event is sponsored by members of the community with inflatables and cakes donated and the entertainment provided.

“It’s a way to say thank you,” Brown said. “It’s crucial for us to end this on a high, celebratory note. Just staying thank you isn’t enough. We want to show our appreciation.”

The event also coincides with Bethany’s 17th birthday, which is in May, so that will be celebrated as well.

Brown added that it’s a great chance for Bethany and her family to meet and thank the community face to face.

Brown also wants to say thanks.

“I’d like to keep thanking people in the Tri-State area, in the community, who opened hearts and pockets to Bethany,” she said.

Bethany’s mother, Elizabeth Bibb, is thankful for everyone who has helped contribute in some way so the money could be raised.

“That’s awesome. It’s so wonderful,” Bibb said. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of the community. I thank God for the community and people from everywhere who helped out.

“We thank God for everyone who has blessed us and helped support us and given their time, money, efforts and prayers.”

Bibb said there is no idea when the life-saving transplant will happen.

“We’re just waiting for the phone call,” she said.