By Tami Eagen – Sydenahm Current
The Campbell family is thrilled with the turnout after holding the ‘Gala of Hope’ at Bogey’s Inn in Sombra earlier this month.
Wallaceburg residents Katelyn Campbell and her husband Adam said their goal was to make $8,000 to $10,000 for cytinosis research.
The Campbell’s surpassed their goal by raising $27,864.17 after expenses.
“Going over $27,000 was more than we could have ever dreamed of and that is 100% because of the community that we have behind us,” Katelyn told the Sydenham Current.
“It went incredibly well.”
Both of the Campbell’s children, Alan and Nora, have been diagnosed with the rare degenerative disease.
Katelyn said the management of cytinosis includes many medications and because the disease is rare, donations for research dollars is critically important.
Along with the Gala, two local businesses pitched in to help.
Madness Ink in Chatham held a ‘flash tattoo’ fundraiser that raised $2,155 in pre-designed tattoos, cash donations and original prints were also auctioned.
Riverport Restaurant in Wallaceburg, along with their servers, donated $2 from all breakfast specials on three separate dates.
In addition, some customers also gave cash donations for a total of just over $475 raised.
Katelyn said all funds raised are going to the Cytinosis Research Foundation to help find a better understanding of the disease, better treatments for those diagnosed and a to ideally find a cure.
“We just wanted to thank all of our family, our friends and our community for all of the support,” Katelyn said.
“The Black Goose Grill catered the event. They really went over and above and their whole team and crew were really wonderful and we had a lot of compliments on the food.”
Several silent auction items were also donated to the cause, Katelyn said, adding she hopes people will support local businesses this Christmas season.
“These businesses are always stepping up and supporting us all and hopefully we can turn around and do the same while we are shopping,” Katelyn said.
