A drive-in movie fundraiser for a Beaverlodge teenager battling cancer went off without a hitch and surpassed all expectation.
“We were a little nervous about the rain, but we ended up rigging up a little unit that covered up our screen so we didn’t have to postpone,” says organizer Emery Willey. “Our profits are expected to be well over our goal of $1,000 which is awesome.”
Earlier this year, 15-year-old high school student Ava Watson was diagnosed with stage four cancer that affects the muscles and connective tissue. Unfortunately, the guest of honour wasn’t able to be on hand to see the community come together for her.
“Ava is actually away right now in Edmonton for treatment. So, she and her family didn’t get to attend the event, but they sent along their thank-you’s and were extremely grateful for what we raised for them.”
Willey says the financial and Beaverlodge food bank donations were likely enough for them to reach their goal, however, businesses and individuals went above and beyond in the spirit of giving.
“I had people donate port-a-potties, we had just lots of help. We had a food truck come in from Grande Prairie, Munchie Patrol, and they donated 100 per cent of the profits from their food truck to Ava from the event.
Watson is expected to continue going back and forth to Edmonton for treatment for at least the next year and a half.