Fighting cancer like the girlz.
KIDDING AROUND. Sarah Ruttan, 12, Tasha Godfrey, 13, and Jamie Eaton, 12, (from left) play with a pet goat during the fundraiser in support of Karri Ann Hammond Houston who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. (Photo by Roland Cilliers)
Roland Cilliers
BRACEBRIDGE - Cancer takes its toll on more than just the body.
The disease can also be a significant financial strain on its victims. In support of longtime Bracebridge resident Karri-Ann Hammond Houston a family fun day and barbecue benefit was held Saturday at Kerr Park.
After she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early this year several close friends of Hammond Houston decided they wanted to do something to help her out.
Tracie West, one of the event’s organizers, said the fundraiser was put together by some close friends of Hammond Houston who call themselves the “Girlz.”
“Karri-Ann just does so much for everybody in the neighbourhood. She does home care and stuff like that so she knows so many people and she’ll always help you before you need to ask her for it. We wanted to do something special for her because she’s one of our sisters and we love her,” said West.
The event was held between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and attracted so many people that they ran out of hamburgers and hot dogs. Other popular attractions at the fundraiser were the face painting, silent auction and a pet baby goat.
The guest of honour was, of course, Hammond Houston herself, who said that despite having a bad last week she was feeling well on the day of the event.
“It’s been a wonderful turnout — a lot of stuff, a lot of people, a lot of families. I’m very happy for everyone being here and everyone who auctioned stuff off,” Hammond Houston said.
Many of the items being auctioned were donated by the community. Available items included dolls, tools, golf trips and furniture.
Jessica Grainger, another organizer of the event, said they were thankful for the sunny weather.
“It’s about supporting a local lady,” said Grainger. “She’s not working very much right now so it’s hard … and she’s got three kids. We’re just trying to raise some money for her family.”