Published: July 25, 2008 09:45 am      

Lamke benefit to proceed as scheduled

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

WALTONVILLE — A benefit originally scheduled to help offset costs of a local woman fighting cancer has now shifted to raising funds for her son.

Gretchen Lamke of Mt. Vernon and formerly of Scheller passed away July 11 following a battle with cancer. She leaves behind her 15-month-old son James and fiance Sean Tolley.

“This is something Gretchen would want,” said Tolley. “Since she’s moved on, as the case at her memorial service, [the benefit] will be more of a celebration of who Gretchen was, but at the same time benefit James so he can get the education he deserves further down the road.”

Organizers of the event have decided to proceed with the benefit as already planned, Tolley explained. Raffle tickets have already been sold, with many still available to purchase at the door. According to family member Donna Vancil, some items to be given away at the benefit include two hog halves, two handmade quilts, two $100 savings bonds, gift certificates to Lowes, three food gift certificates and three cash giveaways of $30. Barbecue will be served during the event.

Last month Lamke’s co-workers, family members and friends banded together for a benefit in her name, and a trust fund has been established in James Michael Tolley’s name at People’s National Bank.

The benefit will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Waltonville VFW and will continue until 7 p.m.