By Edward Lynn
Editor
GOLDFIELD, Iowa — A free-will donation Maid-Rite lunch will be held on Sunday, April 27, to benefit Bryan Dayton, an electrical lineman from Woolstock who is a former Eagle Grove police officer, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and who was seriously injured while working to restore power during the recent blizzard.

The benefit lunch, hosted by American Legion Post 370 and the American Legion Riders, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, located at 509 N Main in Goldfield. The event will feature Maid-Rites, coleslaw, baked beans, and chips. The American Legion Riders have pledged to match donations totaling up to $500.
Dayton served as a police officer in Eagle Grove from September 2013 to July 2017 and is a former scout with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion of the 1st Marine Division. He lives in Woolstock with his wife, Shannon, and their two sons.
Several other fundraising efforts are underway to support the Dayton family:
- A GoFundMe campaign titled “Let’s support Bryan’s family during this difficult time!” is live at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bryan-recover-from-his-injury/. To date the fundraiser has raised nearly $39,000.00 of its $50,000.00 goal.
- A benefit event has been organized for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at
Salty Suz, 512 Central Ave, Fort Dodge[UPDATE: relocated to Rails Bar & Grill in Eagle Grove]. The Bryan Dayton Fun Run & Benefit will include food, live music (artist to be announced), an auction hosted by Schmauß Auction, and a community ride event open to motorcycles, ATVs, Jeeps, and other vehicles. The ride is expected to draw supporters from across the state. Donations and auction items are currently being accepted at the following drop-off locations:- Salty Suz – Jamie or Chad Christian
- Schmauss Auction – Kevin Schmauss
- Eagle Grove Area – Brandy (515-269-2597)
- Webster City Area – Troy Duffy (515-297-4217)
- Dows Area – Ryan Caquelin (515-293-2028)
A QR code links to a GoFundMe fundraiser that was set up to benefit the Daytons. To visit the fundraiser page, just point your smartphone camera at it. - Humboldt Area – Erica Schmauss (515-890-2157)
- Des Moines Metro Area – Nocona Dayton (515-988-2779)
Direct donations can also be made to:
- WCF Financial Bank “Dayton Strong,” 401 Fair Meadow Dr., PO Box 638, Webster City, IA 50595
- Venmo: @ShannonDayton04
For more information about the event, contact:
- Chad Christian: 515-269-1718
- Jamie Christian: 515-269-1280
- Kevin Schmauss: 515-571-2443
“This is a huge life change not just for Bryan but for Shannon and the boys as well,” organizers wrote. “This event is not just about raising funds — it’s about coming together to show love, strength, and support for the Dayton family.”
The outpouring of support reflects the deep impact Dayton has had on his community. As the flyer for the benefit reads: “Bryan was there for everyone, lets all of us be there for Bryan!!”
Update on Dayton’s Condition
According to a recent update from Bryan’s wife, Shannon, posted to the GoFundMe page, Bryan underwent surgery on Friday, and is continuing on his road to recovery. “Everything went well,” she wrote. “They had to cut a few more spots of muscle out that were infected as well as cleaning everything up.”
Temporary grafts were placed during the procedure, with permanent grafts to be added later once the new areas are ready; estimated to be about 7 to 10 days from the initial surgery.
Shannon Dayton expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support. “We appreciate everyone who has helped us financially, stopped and checked on our kids and got them things or dropped off a meal, or just simply praying for our family,” she wrote.