Second Annual 'Christina's Event'

This year Major Jason E. George VFW Post 12114 is being joined by American Legion Post 221, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Bear Valley Springs Military Association in sponsoring Christina's Second Annual Fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Tickets for prizes are being sold around town at Albertson's, K-Mart and Tractor Supply until June 3rd. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network which received an A rating from Charity Watch.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (also know as PanCan) is a grassroots nationwide network dedicated to advancing research for pancreatic cancer, providing services to patients and families, searching for clinical trials, and awarding research grants. They also organize walks and runs for awareness.

Christina Athans Hartley (pictured) lost her life after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. While she was lying in a hospital bed with little time left, she asked her dad to request donations for pancreatic cancer instead of flowers for her funeral. She said that she wanted to help find a cure so no one else would suffer and die from this horrible disease. Her parents were grief stricken, and looked for a way to honor her wishes. They had heard of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through friends, and contacted them to set up a "Keep The Memory Alive" webpage. ( http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/christina-athans-hartley/keepthememoryalive )

Last year her parents contacted PanCan about having a fundraiser. Major Jason E. George VFW offered to sponsor the event which was held in May at the veterans Memorial Building. The fundraiser was an estate charity sale and raised $4,014. The check for the entire amount was taken to the offices of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

This year's Second Annual Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser is a sale of drawing tickets and a dinner. The event will be held on the evening of June 4 at the veterans Memorial Building from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with an $8.00 spaghetti dinner, silent auction, entertainment, door prizes, and the drawing of the winning tickets. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the drawing for prizes will take place at 8 p.m. The American Legion Auxiliary has graciously volunteered to provide the dinner. The prizes for the drawing are $600 cash; 3 day 2 night stay at four Laughlin hotels-Golden Nugget, Aquarius, Colorado Bell, Don Laughlin; and a Dodger Ticket package including (2) $100 dollar seats, preferred parking, and $50.00 cash. As all items for prizes and silent auction were donated, 100% of all proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and silent auction will be given to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The veterans Memorial Building is located at 125 East F Street. Winners need not be present. For further information or to make a donation, please call Alex or Pat at (661) 822-6722.