Guests at the first place table in the table war are shown doing a celebratory dance, led by Dave Caruso.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The crowd may have been thin at the third “Dueling Against Cancer” fundraiser, but those who were there dug deep into their pockets to help raise funds for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

Dave Caruso and Paul Bickel once again led the keyboard duel.

Held at the Owl’s Nest Friday, May 19, approximately $11,000 was raised. The majority was from the 12 live auction items, all going above the donated prices.

This tequila basket contained not only four kinds of tequila and shot classes, it also contained a sombrero donated by the family of Sandra Carnes, a cancer patient.

As in the past three years, Caruso and Bickel had the group clapping and singing along as they dueled it out. Music from various eras and genres were performed by the two professionals.

A popular competition is the college fight song duel. This year the race started out with Notre Dame, but ND was soon out of the race as Ball State alumni and fans chimed in, followed by Indiana University and Purdue University. It wasn’t long before the race was between BSU and Purdue.

Ironically neither Dave or Paul knew the BSU fight song and made one up on the spot. In the end a big push from the Purdue fans put Purdue in the lead and the winner.

This friendly competition raised $806 for the cancer care fund.

Ladies from the crowd danced to Caruso’s own rendition of “Baby Shark.” Old favorites from Neil Diamond, Elton John, Billy Joel and others were played. Other songs included Queen, and movie themes from “Rocky,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Arthur,” “ET,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Muppets,” “The Graduate,” “Frozen,” “Tootsie” and “Jaws.

Several other competitions were held, including table wars. Of the six tables participating, the top three tables brought in $486. The first place group raised $250 and were led in a victory dance by Caruso.

The live auction items included numerous baskets filled with bourbon, tequila and other items, a Polywood rocking chair, 3D wall hanging of Mackey Arena, gift certificates and John Deere toys. The auction raised over $6,000.

The event was organized by a group of volunteers who serve on the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

Last year CCF was able to provide $140,060 in help to 68 clients. The first three months of the year has already seen $54,928 go toward helping 43 clients. This help comes in the form of assisting with car payments/rental, utilities, patient programs, rent/mortgage, home insurance, transportation costs and food.

More events are being organized. Glow Golf will be held in June, with the annual golf outing in August and the Power of Pink in October. Another event will be added and announced in the future.