Cancer survivor pays it forward
<p>The three founding members of the Sweethearts Ball smile for the camera at last year's event at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. From left, Brandon Bunch, Jacob Bonwell and Nick Leonard.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - Summer camp should be a place where kids can be kids, especially if they are in the throes of cancer.
That's why childhood cancer survivor and North Idaho College graduate, Brandon Bunch, 21, is helping to organize the Sweethearts Ball. The event, in its second year, raises money for young cancer patients and survivors so they may experience summer fun at Camp Journey in Post Falls.
"This year we're starting from scratch," Bunch said. "Really, through this fundraiser, this is how we're going to send kids to camp."
Camp Journey has capable medical facilities and trained on-site staff so children afflicted with the disease can enjoy camp activities and their families can rest easy. It costs $1,000 per child, but the kids won't pay a dime. Donations and private sponsors help cover the expenses, as well as the Sweethearts Ball. Bunch said last year's event netted just more than $30,000.
"We think that our efforts this year will surpass that by quite a bit," he said.
Bunch said he and three of his friends took the lead on the fundraiser last year when the American Cancer Society cut back funding for camp programs. Funds from last year's ball went to Camp Rainbow Gold, where Bunch spent many of his summers, and Camp Goodtimes East, which is located near Spokane. This year, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit campers at Camp Journey.
Bunch has been driven to help keep the medically capable camps open so the kids can continue to enjoy life and make new memories. This stems from his own unforgettable childhood experiences at Camp Rainbow Gold.
"I realized I didn't have to be the guy writing the check," he said. "I could be the guy coordiating the acitivities to bring in the funding."
The goal this year is at least $50,000. Bunch said they are still looking for donation items to use in the auctions.
The Sweethearts Ball will be held March 21 in The Coeur d'Alene Resort from 5:30 to 11 p.m. It will include a cocktail social hour, silent and live auctions, live music and raffle prizes. The theme is "Gatsby" and a prize will be awarded for best costume.
Visit www.sweetheartsballcda.com for tickets and other information. For those wishing to donate, email Bunch at bbunch515@gmail.com