Friends and family of missing Bardstown woman hold fundraiser to help her children

BARDSTOWN, Ky (WDRB) -- Volunteers prepared thousands of pork chops Friday. They also sold bracelets and t-shirts with “Prayers for Crystal’s safe return” on them.

It’s all being sold to raise money for Crystal Rogers' children.

“Really for us it's all about the kids and making sure they have what they need for as long as they need it. Five kids are still missing their mom so we're just all about the kids,” said Mary Taylor, a family friend.

Taylor organized Friday's cookout fundraiser. She says they're going to continue raising money to help the family.

“Our goal is $100,000 and today alone I think we're over $7,000,” said Taylor.

Since the 35-year-old went missing, four of her kids have been staying with their grandparents. Her youngest is staying with his father, Rogers’ boyfriend.

“Four kids is a lot to take care of but we'll do it somehow but this helps us a whole lot,” said Sherry Ballard, Crystal’s mother.

Ballard has had to step in as a full time mom for the children. She says it's been hectic trying to stay involved with search parties and getting the kids ready to go back to school. But she says events like this remind her that she and her husband are not alone.

"It's been overwhelming how much the community has come together and supported us with this,” she said.

Rogers has been missing since July 3. She was last seen at her boyfriend's farm in Nelson County. Her car was found abandoned on the Bluegrass Parkway with the keys still in it.

"We're still looking for you Crystal and we're still praying that we find her,” said Ballard.

There’s a prayer service Friday at 8 p.m. at Nelson County High School.

The family is offering a $71,000 reward for information that leads to her safe return.

More: More than 100 volunteers help search for Crystal Rogers in Nelson County