Thursday, May 12th, 2016
Helping Families Handle Cancer recently hosted their first Art Exhibit and Auction fundraiser April 23rd in Lethbridge at the stunning Galt Museum. Set on the edge of the Oldman River valley, the event brought an evening of art perusal and purchase, silent and live auctions, good food, cold drinks and delightful company. The primary purpose of the evening was to raise awareness and funds to support the Helping Families Care Program. The Program allocates funds to support families in and around the Lethbridge area who need to travel to Calgary for medical treatment for children who are battling cancer.
Two very strong Care Program recipient families brought the purpose of the evening into stark reality, explaining just how critical the support of Helping Families is for the families in Southern Alberta.
Sean Rooney, father of Dominic Rooney (a magical young boy who fought leukemia for 2 years and passed away September 2015) shared his story and how Helping Families has become part of mom Trish and Sean’s community, and how they are forever grateful. It was an emotion filled speech that resulted in not a dry eye in the museum. Later in the evening Alyssa Fraser, a 17 year old battling a rare form of hip bone cancer (Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma), prepared a speech with her family that was delivered on her behalf. Alyssa couldn’t attend the event, thankfully because she was at a volleyball tournament.
We are so proud to announce that the inaugural Lethbridge Art Exhibit raised $14,000! The event would not have been as successful without the amazing support of event sponsors including Wawanesa Insurance, Stranville Living, Don G. O’Brien, Where the Wild Things Grow Early Learning Centre, media sponsors Global Lethbridge and 98.1 The Bridge, and After Party hosts Plum Restaurant. Keep your eyes peeled for our next Art Exhibit in Lethbridge in 2017!
Written by: Erin Rooney
Art Exhibit Chair/Helping Families Board Member