PINEDALE – Down only herself and the afternoon cook in the Rendezvous Pointe kitchen, Sue Eversull prepared a Thanksgiving meal. Cyd Goodrich requested an order of calamari and shrimp for the holiday, and despite confirmed cases of COVID-19 forcing the rest of the staff into quarantine, Eversull said she’d make that happen.

Eversull contracted COVID-19 after that. She wasn’t feeling well the next time Goodrich called her. It wasn’t just about the shrimp, although she mentioned how much she enjoyed it. Goodrich asked if Eversull was familiar with Foster Friess. She was, mostly from the Fishing For The Fight fundraisers. Why?

Goodrich explained that Friess was accepting submissions for seldom-recognized charitable community members across Wyoming. Goodrich said she submitted Eversull’s name and she was selected. She then said the honor came with a check for $5,000.

“I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ and she was bawling,” Eversull remembered. “I didn’t do it for the recognition. I helped a lot of people and that gives me great satisfaction in my heart.”

The money came from Friess’ December charitable event known as “12 Days of Christmas.” A different nominated person received a check for $5,000 each day for 12 straight days.

A spokesperson for Friess said the initiative was born out of the Bible verse Galatians 6:2.

“When we carry one another’s burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ,” it reads.

Goodrich submitted Eversull’s name because of her work through the pandemic and willingness to go the extra mile.

“Sue always gives herself to others,” Goodrich said. “She puts the needs of others before herself.”

By admission, Eversull’s giving started with foster care. Of all the children she cared for, of which there were many, she adopted three. One’s a 20-year U.S. Marine, another is a teacher who just achieved their master’s degree and another works in health care. Eversull said each one of them has become a success story because of their backgrounds. Where they came from, she said, they never would have made it.

Inmates have come through Rendezvous Pointe for rehabilitation. The last one who came to help had nowhere to go. So Eversull said she paid a few months rent on a small apartment for them. She said that inmate was great while he worked at Rendezvous Pointe.

Eversull has also contributed to Kickin’ Cancer and various fundraisers. She’s also overseen New Fork Ranch since her husband’s passing.

“She is using her life to make a difference by working for the jail and helping the local senior. Sue’s determination to help those around her highlights a community hero who is trying to make a difference,” Friess spokesperson Rebekah Stanford said.

Eversull said she never expected to be honored or recognized for her community involvement. She’s known Goodrich for a long time but she never imagined people kept track of her various endeavors. She could only describe herself as humble and overwhelmed.

Those served by her said she’s not only giving person but she’s an inspiration.

“Sue inspires me and the people around her to do better, to be better and live out your faith,” Goodrich said. “Sue wears her faith out front and knows where her strength comes from. She is a walking true testimony.”

Eversull walked out of the Rendezvous Pointe kitchen, letting the cacophony of pans ring into the quiet lobby. She held a postcard of Friess and his wife, Lynnette, which she received as another thank you. Her smile radiated beyond her mask.