Cancer Care Fund Event Raises Estimated $71,000
LEESBURG — Totals are still being tabulated but initial results from the annual Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County annual dinner event, Saturday, Sept. 9, indicate a successful evening. The annual event raises funds to financially help eligible cancer patients and their families in Kosciusko County.
Early estimates indicate at least $71,340 was raised. This estimate is from funds raised through the live and silent auction items purchased by those who attend the event. There were 125 reservations made for an “Evening of Jazz.”
Dave Stell, committee member and past CCF chairman, briefly spoke to the guests. He noted the various disasters – fires, flooding, hurricanes. “Some thought of the end of time,” he said, jokingly adding “so you don’t need money tomorrow, spend it tonight. We need it.” Stell continued by stating Cancer Care Fund needs all the money it gets. “We spend all in this county. All funds given tonight, he said will go to those who suffer with cancer in Kosciusko County. “We need it,” he said, concluding by encouraging everyone to have fun throughout the evening.
The live auction raised approximately $59,595. The live auction included 16 various items, including jewelry, trips to Marco Island, Indianapolis Colts games, Polar Kraft boat and trailer, an electric golf cart, a trip to Sonoma and Pebble Beach, Calif., dinners and a magic show to name a few items. The auction included 22 center pieces that brought in an additional $1,030.
Additionally, the live auction included four levels to help with monthly expenses for patients. These levels included gas cards, monthly utilities, car payment and gas card and rent or mortgage payments. This opportunity allowed those who attended to donate between $50 to $500. This area alone raised $5,225.
There were 62 silent auction items, which had the potential to raise a minimum of $5,490 based on starting bids. A large number of the items brought more than the starting bid prices. The silent items included candy from Olympia Candy Kitchen; gift certificates to various locations for services, dining, golf and entertainment; gift bags; family portrait sessions; silk floral arrangements; furniture; Yeti coolers; landscape or interior home decorating items; and more.
An undetermined amount of funds were also raised through individual tributes and corporate sponsorship. A portion of the evening’s ticket prices will go toward the fund.
Music for the evening was provided by a jazz quartet. Terry Lower provided piano music before he was joined by Rob Hartman on the bass, Larry Ochiltree on the drums and Edye Evans Hyde, vocalist.