Benefit for Tamaroa Resident Darren Hilt Saturday, Oct. 9
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Saturday's goal for Tamaroa cancer patient Darren Hilt is simple: "We are going to raise as much money as we can," said Pestka's Home Grocery owner Kirk Pestka on behalf of dozens of friends and family members in the community who will come together Saturday for Hilt, a General Tire Co. employee diagnosed three months ago with cancer.
Saturday's benefit starting at 11 a.m. at the Tamaroa Community Center isn't just a labor of love. It's a message for all of Southern Illinois that towns need to rise to the occasion for their community.
Hilt is at home and has completed radiation for a cancer that has spread to several places. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and his medical bills are growing. The benefit will raise funds to cover some of those costs. A portion of the money raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society's signature "Relay for Life" program.
The event has taken on a life of its own during the past month. It's a celebration of life.
The 11 a.m. dinner includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert and a drink. Donations are $8 for adults and $4 for children. The silent auction runs throughout the day and the live auction begins at 7 p.m.
There will be a poker run with "all wheels welcome" and prizes for first, second and third place in both the poker run and a bike show. Sign in from 10 a.m. until noon at "The Spot" in Mount Vernon.
The second stop is the Woodlawn bar, the third Buretta's in Nashville and the fourth I.D.'s in Du Quoin. The last bike in by 5 p.m. at Rudy's in Tamaroa.
The entry fee is $15 for the "first hand" and $1 for additional hands.
There will be a hunter's raffle for Remington 11-87 (12 or 20 gauge, your choice), a Ruger 10-22, and a 15 foot ladder stand. You could win one of the three featured raffle items. Donations are $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20. A valid FOID card is required. You do not need to be present to win. The items have been donated by local Deer Camp Hunters.
Some of the silent auction items include: gift baskets, antiques, sports collectibles, hand made quilts, sports tickets, wood carving, kitchen and bath items, soft drink collectibles, cases of motor oil, five bags of Gruger brand Round-Up Ready soybeans, beer collectibles, a shotgun and pistol (must present FOID card to win), a mirror, gift certificates, hunting and fishing items and more.
For complete information, call Randy Buza at (618) 246-8820, Jeff Harris at (618) 201-0864, Robert Borchelt (618) 924-1241 or Kirk Pestka at (618) 496-5529.