BY JIM HALL

Larry "Curly" Haubner may not realize it, but donations made in his name will allow him to live the rest of his life in a Stafford County assisted-living center.

"The generosity of people was amazing," said Carol Ewing, one of the organizers of the "Save Larry" campaign.

That campaign started in June to fund living expenses for the 105-year-old Haubner. Since then, organizers have collected $56,400, or enough to pay his bills for two years at Greenfield at Fredericksburg.

"I believe that we have taken the steps to secure his future," said Mark Ellmore, one of the organizers.

More than 500 people contributed to the campaign, donating amounts from $5 to "thousands," said Jenna Kole, one of the organizers.

One woman donated in memory of her mother, who once lived at Greenfield. Many of the donations came from Australia, where residents saw a news report about Haubner. Another group of donations arrived in response to a "Today" show segment about him.

Haubner was the subject of several news reports, including one in The Free Lance-Star, when it appeared that he might have to move.

He has lived at Greenfield for three years, but has outlived his family and savings and is no longer able to pay his bills.

Ewing, president of the Bridges Senior Care Solutions, who has his power of attorney, was prepared to apply for Medicaid benefits for him and move him to a nursing home. Greenfield is a "private-pay" center and does not accept Medicaid clients.

But those who know Haubner, including Dr. Robert Prasse, his volunteer physician, said that Haubner does not need the care of a nursing home and would not do well in one since he lives alone in a room at Greenfield.

Ewing and Ellmore, who met Haubner when visiting his mother at Greenfield, decided to set up a Web page and ask for public support.

Haubner pays $3,370 a month to stay at Greenfield. His monthly income from Social Security and a retirement account totals about $1,200. The donations will pay the difference, Ewing said.

Two other donors told Ewing that if Haubner outlives the money in the fund, they will cover his expenses so that he will never have to move.

"They want to be the backup," Ewing said. "I feel very confident they will do it."

Haubner lived for many years in Fredericksburg, before moving to Greenfield. He is in good health, though it's not clear if he understands what has happened to him.

He stops by the office at Greenfield every few days to ask "how's the bank doing?" Each time a staff member assures him that the bank is fine.

Jim Hall: 540/374-5433
Email: jhall@freelancestar.com