Chili, noodle feed benefits patients; local couple started the fundraiser; all proceeds stay in Bourbon County

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Organizers of a fundraiser created last year to help local cancer patients and their families are ready to serve the public once again.

Volunteers who work with the Care to Share cancer support group, which helps area cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, and The Sharing Bucket, a related nonprofit organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to cancer patients and their families, will conduct their second annual chili and chicken noodle fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.

Don and Claudia Wheeler, who became involved with the Care to Share group last year, initiated the fundraiser.

"I like to get involved with things, and it's a good way to help the community," Claudia said.

Claudia said none of her family members require assistance from the Care to Share group, but she and her husband have lost family members to cancer, and that is another reason they decided to help the group, which formed in 2007.

"They've already helped so many people," she said. "The more people hear about it, the more people want to get involved ... It's a good feeling to help."

Last year, when she heard about The Sharing Bucket, which the cancer support group created in 2009 due to the need for more support, Claudia said she contacted them to learn more. She also told her husband and daughter about the group's mission to help those affected by cancer.

Claudia was easily able to get her family on board to create a fundraiser and said she agreed to prepare all of the food for the event, provided the Care to Share Angels -- which the support group calls its volunteer support -- furnished desserts.

"It's very rewarding," she said. "We're overwhelmed with the community support we get."

The event drew between 250-300 people last year and brought in about $1,600 after expenses. This year, Claudia said she is hoping for 500 people and to raise $2,000 for The Sharing Bucket.

"Last year, everything was donated but the paper products," she said. "Everything was donated this year and we'll get help from volunteers. Everything is covered this year, so it'll be a clear profit."

Last year's event required 50 pounds of hamburger to make the chili, but this year's amount has been upped to 100 pounds. Claudia said she receives some help to make the noodles using 25 pounds of flour. She'll also cook up between 45-50 pounds of chicken for the event. Food preparation begins the Friday before the fundraiser.

Claudia said she wanted to stress the importance of "the support and help we get from the community ... It would not be possible without them."

Local resident and Care to Share member Joy O'Neal said the support group consists of volunteers who assist Bourbon County cancer patients with treatment and health care. Ingredients and desserts are donated by the Care to Share Angels.

O'Neal said she appreciates the efforts of the Wheelers and community members who help make the event happen.

"We appreciate their (the Wheeler's) contributions," O'Neal said. "We appreciate the community contributing the ingredients. It takes a lot of work to put this on."

The Sharing Bucket is a project in which group members use funds raised locally to assist local cancer patients with expenses such as fuel, transportation, food, utility bills, hotel stays and other items pertaining to treatment. Money raised stays in Bourbon County and is kept in a local bank account throughout the year. Members also provide emotional support in a variety of ways.

While the event is free of charge to attend, a free will offering is requested.