Thousands of dollars raised through Collinsville auction for children of woman killed in murder-suicide

The Collinsville agriculture community is rallying around the children of a local mother who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide. Collinsville Livestock Sales hosted a special fundraiser for the children of Sara Duffey, who police say was shot and killed by her estranged husband before he took his own life last month. The event featured a donated goat sold through a “rollover auction,” with proceeds benefiting Duffey’s children. Organizers said the fundraiser drew support from livestock producers, local businesses and community members across Oklahoma. Agriculture community steps up to help Tommy Salisbury with Collinsville Livestock Sales said organizers wanted to find a meaningful way to support the children after the tragedy. “There’s not much we can do to help in a situation like that,” Salisbury said. “We just brainstormed and the best idea we came up with is how can we support the children? We want a way that our community, our agriculture community, not just Collinsville, but agriculture in Oklahoma as a whole, can help and support those children.” Salisbury said Duffey’s family has been part of the local agriculture community for years, making the decision to organize the fundraiser an easy one. How the fundraiser worked The fundraiser centered around a donated goat sold through a rollover auction. The highest bidder purchased the animal before donating it back to be sold again, allowing it to be resold multiple times while every dollar raised went directly toward the children’s future. By the end of the auction inside the sale ring Saturday, organizers had raised about $30,000. More than a one-day donation Salisbury said organizers hope the support extends well beyond the fundraiser. “Our goal wasn’t to just come up with a lump sum of money and give it to the kids and say, ‘Here you go,’” he said. “We’re going to try to continue to mentor these kids and help them through this area in life in the best way we know how.” He said while no one can replace their mother, the community hopes to help provide opportunities for the children, including education and participation in programs such as FFA or 4-H. Collinsville community rallies together Salisbury said the overwhelming response reflects the close-knit nature of Collinsville and Oklahoma’s agriculture community. “When something happens, we rally together,” he said. “When tragedy strikes, people jump in and help.” He said the tragedy has left a lasting impact, but the community remains focused on helping Duffey’s children move forward. “They didn’t deserve to lose their mother,” Salisbury said. “The only thing we can do now is help take care of her kids.” Organizers said they hope the community will continue supporting the children in the years ahead, no matter what path they choose. Previous stories: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.