Community pays $47,000 for swine after boy loses mother

WAUCHULA (FOX 13) - A community has come together to help a young boy who lost so much, so quickly.

Earlier this week, Tamara Hendry, a Zolfo Springs Elementary School teacher, died suddenly of a heart attack.

Aside from teaching, Hendry was also a single mother to an 11-year-old boy named Heath.

The family is still trying to heal from their loss, but Thursday night at the Hardee County Fair, something very special happened to help their process.

In a video sent to FOX 13 News by a viewer who wishes to remain anonymous, Hendry’s son, Heath, can be seen standing alongside an auctioneer. Heath had been raising a swine to sell at the fair, and Thursday was the big night.

PHONE INTERVIEW: Community member describes the moment it all went down

The price per pound started off low, but it didn’t stay there long. Within just a minute-and-a-half the auction was over, and Heath’s swine was sold for an unbelievable price.

“SOLD for $170 a pound,” the auctioneer announced. 

At 290 pounds, it went for more than $47,000.

The crowd went wild, giving Heath a standing ovation, and we’re told there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Some of the money will go toward funeral arrangements for Heath’s mother, and the rest will go towards his care.