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Quarter auction raises $10,000 in cancer fight

The fifth-annual Anthony D’Aurora Quarters for Cancer Quarter Auction held at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School in November raised $10,000 — the highest amount to date — and proceeds were donated to the Cancer Dietary Institute in Steubenville to feed cancer patients and their families during the holidays and beyond. On hand during the check presentation were, from left, CDI board member June Crago; event organizer and JVS representative Jill McVicker; CDI board member Patty D’Aurora; and CDI board member Chris Hyland. — Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — An annual fundraiser to help feed cancer patients and their families has broken another record by surpassing the $10,000 mark.

Jill McVicker, organizer of the fifth-annual Anthony D’Aurora Quarters for Cancer Quarter Auction held at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School this fall, presented a check to officials with the Cancer Dietary Institute in Steubenville on Dec. 8. An estimated 300 people attended the benefit on Nov. 5 and had a chance to purchase and bid on items from nearly 40 vendors, including Origami Owl, Pampered Chef and Kacey’s Rustic Crafts. School programs and organizations, as well as local vendors and businesses, were involved by supplying prizes and auction items, while all of the proceeds benefit the dietary institute.

McVicker said the activity has grown each year.

“We’ve raised more than $30,000 over the past five years,” she said, adding students also collected 1,750 nonperishable items during a holiday food drive to stock the pantry. “This is our second year and last year we reached 700.”

A spirited competition between programs helped more than double the bounty, while the student council also sold pink ribbons to aid the cause. The quarter auction also included drawings and other moneymakers, and last year’s effort earned $7,500.

The event, which began in 2012, was renamed in honor of longtime Principal/Supervisor Anthony D’Aurora two years ago after he died from cancer.

All proceeds go to the institute to support cancer patients in Jefferson, Harrison, Brooke and Hancock counties who may have to choose between paying for medication or food. The Cancer Dietary Institute receives no government aid for its efforts and food is distributed each month at the pantry based at First Westminster Church on North Fourth Street. Officials said two weeks worth of sustenance is distributed to help families get by between their regular pay periods. The next distribution date is Saturday, and about 113 patients and their families are being aided during the month.

Cancer Dietary Institute board members June Crago, Chris Hyland and Patty D’Aurora were excited about the response and said it will make a significant impact when assisting patients and their loved ones when they are in need.

“This much money is phenomenal and exceeded expectations, and this check is not reflective of the 1,750 food items,” said Crago. “It’s the JVS family joining the CDI family and making it a huge family affair.”

“It’s more than I ever thought we’d raise,” Hyland added. “It’s exceptional. The students and everyone have been supportive from the beginning.”

She noted the quarter auction proceeds could supply the pantry for at least three months.

D’Aurora, widow of the late principal and benefit’s namesake, was moved by the response.

“The JVS is just wonderful,” she said, adding she and her family volunteer during food distributions and look forward to helping others. “It’s nice. I meet them all and talk to them. It’s rewarding.”

CDI relies on public contributions to operate and all donations are tax deductible, while every penny goes to providing food for the clientele, officials said.

Any community resident undergoing treatment is eligible and a physician’s referral is required.

For information, contact the organization at (740) 264-7543 and leave a message.

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