BROKEN BOW—Get your poker face ready because this Sunday a special fundraiser for sixteen-year-old Aniah Preston will kick off with a poker run, silent auction, and free-will donation meal. The Broken Bow Lions Club and Broken Bow Area Rotary Club are working together to host this event in support of Aniah and his mother, Amy Kulhanek.
Lions Club member Julie Toline said Aniah has struggled his whole life with mitochondrial disease. According to mitoaction.org, “mitochondrial disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fail to produce enough energy for cell or organ function.” An estimated one in 4,000 people have mitochondrial disease which can cause growth delays and a variety of other physical ailments including problems with vision.
“He has struggled his whole life with different diseases that are caused by this. He now is having trouble with his vision. They’re hopeful that there may be an opportunity for some glasses. If that were the case, they would be around $10,000,” Toline said.
Proceeds from Sunday’s event will go toward the family and the purchase of the special glasses. Toline said Aniah is a great kid with a positive attitude and she and Rotary member Deb McCaslin are excited to put on the fundraiser for the family.
“It’s fantastic to have I think two great service organizations combing their resources to get something done and make a difference,” McCaslin said.
All are encouraged to meet at the Broken Bow Municipal Building at 2 p.m. on Sunday for the Poker Run which will go to Westerville, Ansley, Berwyn, and back to Broken Bow. One hand is $20 and two hands are $30. The free-will donation supper will be ready at about 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building and a silent auction will go until 6 p.m.
McCaslin said she is thrilled with the generosity and wonderful donations they have received for the auction. Some of the auction items include four tickets to this year’s first Nebraska football game—Scott Frost’s debut! Other items include homemade rugs, quilts, earrings, golf outings, and much more.
“It’s just really exciting. It’s so fun to watch the community come together to help people,” Toline said.
Call or text Julie at 402-677-9323 or Deb at 308-870-2909 with any questions or donations. If making monetary donations, please make checks payable to the Broken Bow Lions with Aniah Preston in the memo. A card reader will also be available on Sunday.
