The community will come together on Sunday (4/21) to show support for the family of Hannah and Jeff Selko and their daughter Kendri who is fighting bone cancer. Friends and family will be hosting a benefit and fundraiser for the family at the Paladium in Sargent between the hours of 2-4. The event will feature a free will offering dessert bar as well as a silent auction. Pam Goldsby, one of the organizers of the event, told KCNI/KBBN news that people may donate items for the silent auction up until the event begins on Sunday. Goldsby shared that one of the special items to be auctioned off is a special painting by Kendri.
“I was talking to her mom, Hannah, and she had mentioned that Kendri would like to do a painting but she didn’t really feel good enough because she has started chemotherapy. I saw her in the grocery store the other day, her mom, and Kendri is feeling better and she sent me a picture of her starting this painting so she has the sky kind of done on it. I don’t know what she’s painting but I am excited to see what that is and we are going to put it on the silent auction but if we have an auctioneer there we might just go ahead and auction it off.”
The benefit also features two raffle prizes, a 75th anniversary model Ruger 10/22 Sporter and a half beef to be processed in August at Sargent Pack. Raffle tickets are on sale now with only 200 total tickets being sold for each raffle. Goldsby said that she and other organizers of the event have been touched by the generosity of the community.
“Yes. It brings tears to your eyes as you think about everybody that is stepping forward and all the caring people in this community. They’re just there for them. You know it takes the financial part of this situation out and they can focus on getting this little girl better.”
If one would like to donate to the family but cannot attend the benefit, monetary donations can be made to the “Selko Medical Fund” which is set up at the First National Bank in Sargent. To purchase raffle tickets or donate auction items one can reach out to Pam Goldsby (308-870-3731) or Margaret Divine (308-215-0168). For more information on the benefit check out the “Selko Family Benefit” Facebook page. You can also listen to our full interview with Pam Goldsby which is posted below.
