By Marisa Dawson

Hundreds of community members filled Bennington South Middle School on Friday, February 6, for the “Have a Heart for Mindy” Spaghetti Feed and Benefit, showing overwhelming support for special education teacher Mindy Andrus as she battles severe heart failure and awaits a life-saving heart transplant.

The event, held from 6-8 p.m. in the school cafeteria, featured a spaghetti dinner with donated food from local businesses (Hy-Vee for pasta and noodles, Rotella’s for bread, Valentino’s for big pasta bakes, Oscar’s Pizza for salads, Domino’s for pizzas, and Papa John’s for coupons, along with many other local donations), a lively silent auction (both in-person and online for those unable to attend), numerous raffle prizes with ticket sales, live music, and free-will donations, all with help from the Bennington Public Schools Foundation. All proceeds went directly to Andrus and her family to help cover medical expenses, future transplant-related costs, and other needs.

Andrus, who has been hospitalized and is soon facing open heart surgery involving an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) to bridge her to transplant, was unable to attend in person. However, her family including her mom, sister, and son represented her at the event.

Andurs’s son Miles, a high school freshman, shared his feelings about the turnout: “I think it’s really nice. It shows that more people care than I originally thought and that means a lot to me.” He added, “It’s just love… Makes me feel very glad that there are this many people present because she is a very kind woman and I feel like when problems arise, there are people here for her.”

Andrus’s sister, Melissa Delgadillo, was left nearly speechless by the support. “I can’t put it into words. I’m speechless… It’s incredible to see everybody here for my sister.” When asked to describe Andrus in three words, she said: “Courageous, brave and strong.” Delgadillo noted that she is doing really well despite the challenges of blood draws, surgery, and more.

Her mother, Vickey Nelson, echoed the emotion: “She’s doing better than I am… she’s a trooper. ” She praised the community, sharing what she wants everyone to take away from this event. “I want them to see how much she’s loved by coworkers and family and friends. Like I said, there’s just no words- it’s very humbling.”

Organizer Konni den Bosch, who teamed up with Kim Stroberg, Deirdre Dewald, and Nikki Guyman among others, described the experience as a blessing. “Mindy is just an amazing woman who’s just so positive and so happy… It’s always fulfilling when you give back to someone.” She highlighted the community’s generosity: “The turnout that we’ve had, the people who volunteered, the people who’ve donated… even tonight, we got more stuff donated to us that we didn’t even know was coming. The community is amazing.”

In den Bosch emphasized Bennington’s longstanding spirit: “I’ve been in Bennington 28 years. This has always been the way Bennington has been. When you live here, the support and the backing you get, it’s amazing.”

From earlier interviews, colleagues Kim Stroberg and Deirdre Dewald described Andrus’s selflessness and impact. “Kids love her… She’s the kind of teacher you want for your own kid,” Stroberg said. Dewald added, “She’s always been very humble. She puts her kids first- she’s about Miles, she’s about her students.”

Andrus herself previously shared her gratitude and determination: “It has been overwhelming the best kind of way- I’m in awe everyday.” She credited her son and students for keeping her going: “My son especially. I have to be here to see him graduate, go to college, get married… I’m lucky to work with the most incredible kids. I want to make my son and my students proud too.”

Looking ahead, she expressed realistic hope: “It all terrifies me to be honest… But it is what it is. I’ve beaten one life threatening disease, I can do it again… Every year I do have, will be amazing.”

The event highlighted Bennington’s tight-knit support network, with many attendees knowing Andrus personally and others coming simply because “this community cares for them and we take care of people,” as in den Bosch put it.

Thanks to the incredible turnout, donations, and volunteer efforts, the benefit provided meaningful financial and emotional relief for Andrus and her family during this challenging time. The community once again demonstrated its strength and compassion, rallying around one of its own in need.

Donations continue to be accepted through the Bennington Foundation and related channels for those wishing to contribute.