SHONGALOO &mdash A weekend benefit auction for a Webster sheriff’s deputy who is battling cancer raised almost $17,000, putting fundraising organizers about 80 toward
their goal of $100,000. The money will be used to purchase and set up a modular home for Deputy Ken Treece and his family. “After the auction we reached a grand total near $80,000.00,” said Friends of Ken’s spokeswoman Mary Thomas in a news release. “And while that’s enough for us to order and set up the manufactured home for the Treeces, we still hope to raise the remainder to ensure that the home is properly established with a driveway and porch with steps. It’s a modest attempt, but one that would make life much easier for them at this time.” The weekend event included the sale of auctioned items, concessions and raffle tickets. “We were so very pleased with the turnout of donated items and participants. It’s just amazing what has been done for this sweet family,” Thomas said. During the auction, winners were drawn for the three raffled items that collectively brought in more than $7,000 in ticket sales. Harrington Communications of Minden won the 5-by-10 East Texas Longhorn utility trailer, and Angela Evans, of Minden, and Pam Smith, of Haughton, were the winners of the two handmade quilts, the release states. The fundraising efforts started two months ago in response to the deputy’s extensive long-term battle with cancer and the loss of the couple’s daughter to Lou Gehrig’s disease. After the recent death of their daughter, the Treeces adopted her three children, and all have quickly outgrown their small century-old home that is suffering from serious structural damages. A number of other upcoming activities and events are planned. A Friends of Ken’s benefit softball tournament has been set for 9 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Fields in Shongaloo. A Home Run Derby will follow at 1 p.m. Concessions, including hotdogs and hamburgers, will be available during the event.
On Aug. 29, ladies a Premier Jewelry benefit party will be held at the Springhill RV Activities Building on Church Street in Springhill. The come-and-go event will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Rachel Morgan at (870) 299-0602.