RAISING MONEY FOR CANCER … Pictured, left to right, are Ashley Garza, Steve Garza and Jamie Garza. Each year, a fundraiser is held to provide funds for cancer. The money raised is divided three ways, between The American Cancer Society, Cancer Assistance of Williams County and to one individual. Steve Garza, diagnosed with sarcoma, is the individual recipient this year. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
A reverse raffle fundraiser and dinner was held on Saturday, April 29 at the Gillette Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier.
The ninth annual raffle and dinner was used to raise money for cancer. According to Michelle Beck, one of the directors of this year’s event, the previous eight fundraisers have raised over $150,000. Beck and her husband Sam directed this year’s event.
The money has always been divided up in three ways, with money going to the American Cancer Society, Cancer Assistance of Williams County (CAWC) and to one individual.
This year’s individual recipient was Steve Garza. Garza was diagnosed with sarcoma. According to uhhospitals.org, sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that arises in the bones and connective tissues.
Garza said that he is finishing up radiation treatment and will have to travel to Cleveland for five more days of treatment.
This year’s dinner, provided by Ryan’s Catering in Wauseon, had a choice of either salisbury steak or country chicken, along with a salad, a vegetable, and a drink.
A choice of beer was also available and was provided by the Ice House in Bryan. There was also a variety of desserts that were donated.
The cost of the dinner was $50 and there was a silent auction, live auction, and games.
“This is a huge community event, with numerous people from Montpelier donating,” Michelle Beck said.
The evening began at 5 p.m. and concluded with the reverse raffle. Top raffle prize was $1,200, followed by $650 and $400.
The amount of money raised, and the winners of the raffle was not yet made available.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com