Feed fundraiser planned for Sharing Bucket

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Members of the Wheeler family pose for a recent photo. Pictured are: (from left) Don Wheeler, Claudia Wheeler, the Wheelers' daughter, Tami Flater, and their grandchildren, Lauren Flater and Michael Flater.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Although there have been a few changes, the purpose of a fundraiser later this month organized by a local family remains the same.

The Wheeler family, who do volunteer work with the Care to Share cancer support group and The Sharing Bucket, will host their third annual fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton. The event raises money to help local cancer patients and their families.

Organizers have changed the menu for the feed from chili and chicken noodles to soup and chili. Due to construction of an addition to Buck Run Community Center, this year's event has been moved to Community Christian Church. Another change is that the event has been moved from a Sunday to a Friday, co-organizer Claudia Wheeler said.

The menu will consist of chili, vegetable beef and broccoli cheese soup and a variety of desserts and drinks.

While the event is free to attend, organizers are requesting a free-will donation. Attendees can dine in, and carry-out and delivery options will be available.

Three generations of Wheelers will be helping make and serve meals, along with several "Sharing Angels" -- volunteers who support The Sharing Bucket.

Wheeler said she and her husband, Don, initiated the fundraiser three years ago after becoming involved with the Care to Share group. Their daughter, Tami Flater, joined in and the fundraiser was born.

"The reason why we like getting involved is because it feels good to know you can help someone," she said. "I personally have not had cancer, but my husband has. We have also lost several family members, including our mothers and a grandmother. A person just never knows when they or a loved one will be affected."

Another reason the Wheelers support The Sharing Bucket is the fact that the money raised stays in Bourbon County, Claudia said.

The Sharing Bucket's goal is to answer a request within 24 hours, and so far, through generous donations and memorials, that has been accomplished, she said.

The event attracted about 300 people last year and organizers are "hoping for more this year," Claudia said. About $1,700 was raised through the first event, and the fundraiser brought in about $3,200 last year.

Claudia said organizers get much assistance from community members and are "grateful" to anyone who can contribute in any way. Everything needed for the event is donated, which helps keep expenses down. Organizers also get help from volunteers.

"Sometimes people give us money to help pay for things," she said. "Whatever we make is clear profit for The Sharing Bucket."

Anyone who would like to donate a dessert or help with the fundraiser may contact The Sharing Bucket, or Claudia at (620) 215-4846.

The Care to Share group, which formed in 2007, consists of volunteers who assist Bourbon County cancer patients with treatment and health care. Ingredients and desserts are donated by the Care to Share Angels.

The Sharing Bucket, created in 2009, is a related nonprofit organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to cancer patients and their families.

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