Vernon County Cancer Relief dinner a success

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund Board of Directors, I would like to offer a special heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the organization's Second Annual Fund Raiser Dinner and Benefit Auction on Saturday, Aug. 29. This event was a sell out and it was an incredible feeling to see the community pull together and come out to support such a worthy cause. The Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund is a non-profit, charitable, tax exempt organization which was founded Sept. 23, 1987, through the efforts of Jody Renwick and the Finis M. Moss Charitable Trust. VCCR is dedicated to individual and family support in the Vernon County area and provides assistance for Vernon County residents undergoing active cancer treatment though gasoline and grocery vouchers, utility and medication assistance, and other needs on an individual basis.

I would like to thank everyone who participated and volunteered for this event including my fellow VCCR board members. I also want to offer special recognition to Dr. Tricia Bridgewater who was the master of ceremonies for the evening, to Ron Schulze, our auctioneer, to The Fraternal Order of the Eagles for the use of their great facility, and to Casa Azteca who contributed the appetizers. Also, many thanks to Cavener's Office Supply for donating flashlight key chains for all who attended to remind us that VCCR is lighting the way in Vernon County to help others battle cancer.

This event was a team effort. The dinner was plated by volunteers who worked diligently in the kitchen, and then was immediately served to the sell out crowd by local "celebrity waiters." These celebrity waiters worked the crowd and participated in a contest throughout the evening for the most tips collected. Every waiter worked hard and once again this community came through with tips to help VCCR. Dr. Bill Turner, who won last year's tipping contest came in second and passed the travelling trophy on to this year's winner, Gary DeCocq, who now reigns as the 2009 VCCR Champion Tip Collector. Dr. Jason Meisenheimer was only a few dollars behind and came in third in the contest.

Thanks to each and every person who contributed in any way to make this special night happen in our community. I am so proud to be a part of Vernon County Cancer Relief and its efforts as we continue to reach out with love, hope, and Concern for Vernon County residents.

Mike Turnbull,

President,

Vernon County Cancer Relief