‘A Night to Remember’ benefits cancer organization

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff Writer

Community Cancer Services dedicates itself to improving the lives of people in the area affected by life-consuming illnesses. But one night a year, the organization throws an evening of dinner, wine tasting and an auction, all in the name of helping those people year round.

This year’s event is Saturday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Done in collaboration with Ponderay Rotary, the event is in its 10th year. Attendees are encouraged to wear something in a color reflecting the particular cancer that has affected their lives.

CCS Board President Stephanie Allen said the night’s theme is a tribute to those lost to the disease, making it an event for celebrating the memories they left behind.

“Everybody knows somebody who has experienced cancer, either themselves, or their family and friends,” she said. “It’s a night to remember those people and to talk about what they’ve gone through or what they were like.”

Proceeds from “A Night to Remember” go toward the various services CCS provides. CCS is a non-profit that assists anyone in Bonner and Boundary counties who has been diagnosed with cancer by providing counseling, support with groceries and fuel, yoga, a boutique with wigs and hats, as well as medical equipment for loaning, including walkers and wheelchairs. Most of their funding comes from grants, donations and fundraisers like “A Night to Remember.”

Allen said this year’s auction items feature skis, diamond earrings, a Schweitzer season pass and the chance to be co-editor for a day at the Sandpoint Reader, among many others.

“The food’s great, the wine’s wonderful. It brings a lot of good community members together,” Allen said. “Come and enjoy everyone’s company, learn more about Community Cancer Services and remember those we’ve lost to cancer.”

To purchase tickets for “A Night to Remember,” visit communitycancerservices.com.