By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
A major senior project has turned into something with an even deeper meaning for one Wynford student. Estelle Runals has created the Loren’s Cancer Care Fund Benefit as part of her senior graduation project.
Runals came up with the idea of a benefit with the help of Pam Grubel, the founder of Loren’s Cancer Care Fund and a member of the American Legion Post 181. She said Grubel agreed to be her mentor during the project and helped with designing the flyer, emailing businesses, and creating the benefit.
Loren’s Cancer Care Fund is a local endowment fund that raises money for the Oncology departments at the Bucyrus and Galion hospitals. Those funds are used for the comfort and benefit of cancer patients while they undergo treatment.
The idea for the benefit was something different but, Runals felt, worthwhile.
“The reason I chose to do this benefit is to bring more awareness to the community,” Runals, who has had family members diagnosed with cancer, explained in her letter to area businesses. “I’ve watched their lives dwindle before my eyes feeling so helpless, I felt I had to try and do something to help others that are still alive and suffering.”
“It’s a lot of responsibility to try and come up with it but it’s a nice feeling to help them,” Runals said. “I wanted to make it so they knew they’re not the only ones who have cancer.”
Loren’s Cancer Care Fund Benefit will begin at 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the American Legion Post 181, 123 E. Rensselaer St., Bucyrus. The benefit will feature black jack, a DJ and karaoke, an auction, a 50/50 raffle, a meat wheel, card games, door prizes, and food and drinks.
Runals is accepting donations of any type, including monetary, merchandise, and sponsorship. Donations should be sent to 725 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus or call 330-957-7518.