Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund's ninth gala and golf benefit concluded Saturday at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.

More than $60,000 was raised through the oral and silent auctions, compared to $47,000 last year. Expectations also were exceeded with 212 golfers participating in the golf benefit and 280 attending the gala. Chairperson for the event was Luann Deafenbaugh, and co-chairman was Thomas M. Tuttle II.

KCCCF is "dedicated to eliminating the suffering from cancer through research, prevention, education and service." KCCCF is made up of volunteers and gives 100 percent of the money raised each year to cancer patients. No funds go to administration fees.

The highlight of the evening was the speaker, former professional football player Matt Elliott, whose 5-year-old son, Max, was diagnosed with leukemia in January. Matt Elliott spoke of learning of his son's diagnosis and treatment - he is in the eighth month of a 39-month treatment protocol. Matt also spoke of his respect for and the support he received from Sam Mills, a coach with the Carolina Panthers, who lost his battle with cancer in April. He said, "I asked Sam how it was going, and he said, 'Some say there are good days and bad days. I'm just happy to be having days.' I want my son to emulate Sam.

"The Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund has done tremendous things. My wife and I are blessed by the reaction of this community. No less than several hundred people have touched our lives, and we have the support of many here tonight. How thankful I am to live in a community like this where we have the opportunity to make a little bit of difference. It doesn't take much if everybody does a little bit more. The money raised in this county alone has an immediate effect on people." He closed by recognizing "the person who holds the family together," his wife, Kristin, and thanking everyone for their time and generosity.

Pictures of attendees and artists were provided by Bob List Photography; invitations were donated by Harmony Visual Communications; programs were donated by Biomet Inc.; Tippecanoe Lake Country Club provided the dinner at cost; and Maple Leaf Farms donated the appetizers.

2005 Platinum sponsors were: The Biomet Foundation, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Kosciusko Community Hospital and Chuck and Lois Niemier. Gold sponsors were: Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc., Grossnickle Eye Center and Family Foundation Inc., Maple Leaf Farms, Paragon Medical Inc. and Sweet Water Interiors. Silver sponsors were: Allen Designs AMGEN, Bob List Photography, CTB Inc., Daren Industries Inc., Explorer Van, Farmer's State Bank, Jansen Orthopaedic Clinic LLC, Julia Moore of First Federal Savings Bank, Key Bank, Lake City Bank, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Park Avenue Gallery, Rinker Boat Co. Sterling Group Inc., UBS Financial Services Inc.-David Kinnear and Zimmer.

While the fund does not directly cover medical costs, it will provide assistance with other expenses, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, food, insurance, medicine and other needs, including detection and screening programs. For more information, call the Center of Hope Cancer Care Center at Kosciusko Community Hospital, 574-372-3800. [[In-content Ad]]