Raising Funds for Wyatt

by Rebecca
(White Hills, AZ USA)

Several years ago a friend of mine was told the heartbreaking news that his only child, his baby son Wyatt had cancer of the eye. My friend was just your average blue collar worker, single, and hardworking. How would he pay all the doctor bills that were sure to come. And that's when some of my friends and I decided to see if we could help at all.

We came up with the idea of holding a fundraiser for Wyatt. There would be food for everyone and raffles and prizes. Each one of us picked which food item or items we would make or buy for the event. Next we all took turns going around the town and asking the local store owners if they would like to donate to our cause. I was surprised at all the donations we got. Things like free oil changes, merchandise, services, all kinds of things. The local tattoo parlor even donated a $150 dollar tattoo.

Next we started putting up flyers all around town with all the details of when and why for the fundraiser. The phone calls started coming in. More people wanted to donate.

The day of the fundraiser finally arrived. We charged a small entrance fee which would include all the food one could eat, and free tickets for the raffle whose prize would be cash. We were surprised as all the people that showed up. We held a silent auction for the donated items that were given to us. It was a success. The man who won the raffle donated right back to little Wyatt. We had a friend who was in a band and they provided the music for free. All and all the day when wonderfully and little Wyatt was there being carried around by his proud father.

We raised $1500 that day. It may not have been the most ever raised, but every penny was given with love.