Just Desserts fundraiser to benefit WVU brain cancer research and patients

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Attendees of the Fourth Annual Just Desserts fundraiser will satisfy their sweet tooth while supporting brain cancer research and patient comfort at the West Virginia University Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center.

Hosted by the Let the Journey Begin Committee at the Cancer Center, Just Desserts will be held on Saturday, May 2, at St. John Parish Hall in Morgantown. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $30 per person if purchased before the event and $35 per person at the door.  

The evening will feature a mouthwatering array of desserts from local eateries, door prizes, and numerous raffles for gift baskets, entertainment tickets, dinner certificates, and gift cards. Silent auction items will include an Art Beck oil painting, a Pandora bracelet, and a Longaberger basket. During a live auction, auctioneer Todd Rexroad will sell a wide variety of items, including a 48-inch LED television; a golf package for four, including cart and lunch; and a handmade quilt by the Harrison County Quilter Guild.

The Let the Journey Begin Fund was created at the Cancer Center in 2011 by Erin “Poppy” Polak after learning that her aunt, Erin Dunmire, was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The name of the fund was inspired by Dunmire, who always told Polak that life is a journey, enjoy the moments. Dunmire is director of customer service at WVU Healthcare.

In just one year, Polak, her family, and friends raised $25,000 by selling bracelets, t-shirts, and other items bearing her aunt’s quote. The amount was enough to endow the Let the Journey Begin Fund; and their continued efforts have raised nearly $171,000.

Monies in the fund benefit brain cancer research and provide comfort care for adult brain cancer patients at the Cancer Center.

“It’s vitally important that we continue to raise money for brain cancer research because the cause of most brain cancer is unknown and so little funding exists to study the disease,” Dunmire said. “Even though I’m doing well, I know far too many other people with brain cancer who are not. They inspire me, and I want to do all that I possibly can to find a cure and bring hope and healing to those afflicted with this terrible disease.”

For further information about Just Desserts or to purchase tickets in advance of the event, call Dannell Boatman at 304-293-4597.

To get on the LTJB mailing list or learn about events see http://journeybegin.net.