Community Rallies to Raise Over $10,000 for Ashland Cemetery Repairs
ASHLAND — Ashland Mayor Matt Miller welcomed some very special guests into his office this week — a group of determined community members who have stepped up in a big way to help restore Ashland Cemetery following the devastating vandalism that shocked the city just a few months ago.
Leading the charge was Chris Hall, founder of the Appalachian Bearded Mafia, a charity group formed in 2023 and licensed throughout Ohio as a 501(c)(3). The group’s mission is to bring people together and raise funds for local causes. This time, they teamed up with community partners including Jim Harris and Allan of Turk Brothers, along with several supporters, to organize a massive community cookout fundraiser.
The result? A remarkable $10,354 raised in a single event.
“We’re a charity group that travels to communities across Ohio raising money for local needs,” Hall explained. “This was about bringing people together to make a real difference right here in Ashland.”
Mayor Miller praised the group for their initiative, emphasizing that while the city does not own or operate the cemetery — it is overseen by a private nonprofit board — Ashland has taken responsibility for tracking donations and ensuring every dollar is accounted for.
“This community has certainly rallied together,” Miller said. “With this latest donation, we’re nearing $48,000 raised to repair Ashland Cemetery. It’s a powerful reminder that we live in a place where neighbors care about one another and are willing to reach into their own pockets to protect our history.”
The cookout fundraiser not only brought in critical dollars but also renewed hope for restoring the cemetery, which had been marred by senseless destruction.
As for the investigation into the vandalism, Miller confirmed that police are still working the case. Investigators are awaiting DNA test results that could help identify those responsible. “If anyone has information, we urge them to come forward,” Miller added. “Every lead is important.”
For now, the focus remains on rebuilding. Thanks to the generosity of Ashland residents and groups like the Appalachian Bearded Mafia and Turk Brothers, the cemetery’s path to restoration looks brighter than ever.
