BROKEN BOW—It is truly astounding to see a community come together in times of need. Two of our youngest need support more than ever as their families fight against illness.
A fish fry benefit will be held this Friday at the One Box Convention Center in Broken Bow (2750 South 27th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822). A silent auction will take place from 4 to 8 p.m., a live auction at 7 p.m., a bake sale, and of course the fish fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the families.
“This is a free will donation to everybody coming in, this is open to everyone, it’s not limited to anyone and so we greatly appreciate everything there,” said John Smith, member of the Knights of Columbus.
The collaborative efforts of the Knights of Columbus, North Park Elementary staff, Becton Dickinson, the Lions Club, Catholic Daughters, Nebraska State Bank, Bruning State Bank, and countless volunteers have made this undertaking possible.
Staff from North Park told KCNI/KBBN that Frederick Fiorelli was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer during Christmas break. Frederick is almost three years old and is considered high risk, facing at least 15 months of treatments, chemotherapy, and surgery. He and parents Jeremy and Christine have been spending a great deal of time in Omaha.
Michael and Tia Jilg welcomed Alle to the world on November 2 but soon found out she tested positive for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This means Alle’s blood cells did not produce an immune system for her body and she has been in need of a bone marrow transplant. The family has also spent much of their time out of town for treatment. (Click here to read the December 10 story.)
Volunteers have teamed up to support these families by hosting the dinner and auction events. John Christen with the local Knights of Columbus has organized the Lenten fish fry events for the last 12 years. He hopes to see 1,000 people in attendance on Friday, consuming about 400 pounds of fish!
Teachers and staff from North Park and Anselmo-Merna are providing desserts and the Catholic Daughters will host a bake sale. The silent auction features around 130 items and the live auction will start at 7 p.m., with five “big ticket” items.
“Every time we call anybody for a donation they’re just more than happy and they’ve said that they’ve heard and they wanted to help and so they’ve been really happy. Broken Bow is just amazing, Merna, all the little towns around Broken Bow have really helped out, and even Kearney has helped out. It’s amazing to have—it is a tough time—but it’s amazing to see everybody come out and care,” said a North Park staff member.
John Smith of the Knights of Columbus said the 200-member organization is grateful to the Cobblestone and One Box Convention Center for offering financial support.
The menu includes fried fish, fried shrimp, potato salad, coleslaw, desserts, coffee, tea, water, and bread and butter.
North Park staff said an auction was hosted by the Lions Club for the Jilg family in December, so Friday night’s auction proceeds will be donated to the Fiorelli family. Free will donations will be split between both families.
Contact North Park staff (872-2982) with questions, or John Smith (870-1443), John Christen (643-9361), or Tom Hoff (880-3352).
The fish fry in Anselmo on March 9 will also benefit the Fiorelli and Jilg families.
Visit the Fight for Frederick Fundraiser Facebook page to learn more.
Fish Fry Benefit for Fiorelli and Jilg Families
