Barbecue fundraiser will benefit officer who has cancer
A barbecue fundraiser planned for Saturday will benefit a retired Fort Myers police officer.
The Rich Davis Benefit BBQ will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Crosspoint Christian Church. A Cape Coral resident, Davis was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and lymphoma. When he underwent hip replacement surgery in June, his blood work prompted doctors to order more tests.
“At first, they thought it was just leukemia,” Tabitha Dillehay, one of the co-organizers, said.
“It came as quite a shock,” she said.
Due to an aggressive chemotherapy protocol, Davis is unable to work. His wife Amy, founder of the Classical Christian Academy in North Fort Myers, had to step away from her job to help him. Dillehay explained that the couple have insurance, but the proceeds raised will help the family fill in the gaps.
“It’s a local family that’s given a lot back to the community,” she said.
“It’s a great way to show support for them,” Dillehay said.
Advance tickets for the barbecue are not required.
“They can just show up,” she said.
An adult dinner costs $10 and includes a barbecue pork sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw, drink and dessert. A child’s dinner costs $8 and includes two hot dogs, chips, baked beans, drink and dessert.
“We have to-go boxes,” Dillehay said for those who do not want to stay and eat.
“We’re trying to make it easy,” she said.
All of the supplies were donated, so 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Davis family.
“We want to raise as much as possible,” Dillehay said.
Organizers are aiming to sell between 800 and 1,000 dinners.
“Originally, our goal was to raise $17,000,” she said.
Family and friends have also set up a YouCaring page for Davis at: www.youcaring.com/rich-and-amy-davis-438673 for those who would like to donate directly to the family.
For more information on the Rich Davis Benefit BBQ, visit the Facebook event page at: www.facebook.com/events/418400045022652 or call (239) 209-3417.
The Crosspoint Christian Church is at 204 S.W. 11th Place.