Casper Family Needs Your Help!

The other day, I got a note from a local listener asking if I could spread the word on a fundraiser. Before I would commit, I wanted to know where the money was going, why the person needed assistance, proof that the person needs help, and whether or not this was a legit deal. Basically, I was a d**k.

You see, I get hundreds of these requests a year. Some are fantastic, and I'd do anything to help. Some, well, not so much...

Actual conversation I've had (not this one) in the past couple of months :

Listener- Dude, we're doing a fundraiser for my brother and his family. He lost his job, and they're going through a tough time!

Me- Man, that sucks! How'd he lose his job?

Listener- Well, that's not really the issue. They're about to lose their lease, as well as all of their furniture and cars!

Me- Times are tough for a lot of people. In order to help, I need to know why he's unemployed, and why he can't find another job. Is he disabled?

Listener - no...

Me- So...what's the deal?

Listener - Well, he got caught smoking dope on the job and...

Me - Hey, thanks for listening! (click)

This is not a first, and probably won't be a last. The one thing about us Casper folk, we do anything we can to help our own, and I won't ruin that by allowing some lazy poser to take advantage of this city's generosity. So when Maria Manning hit me up with some event info, I needed to know about the potential beneficiary. Here's what she sent over:

Amanda's daughter was born with a disease called Hirsch prungs disease which effects the intestines. Ariana is 18 months old and is having her 6th surgery and has to have 2 more to follow. She has to go to Denver Children's hospital for these surgeries and also for check ups and not to mention the times she has to be Life Flighted because of her disease. Amanda also has a 4 year old son. Amanda recently lost her husband that was only 31 years old that passed away in his sleep so now that Paul is gone Amanda has to miss work to be with Ariana in Denver (Paul used to go with her while Amanda stayed and worked). I want to be able to help her with the gas it takes to go, the food for her and her kids, bill money since she will miss work and have a little paycheck if at all she will get one from being in Denver to helping with new tires or anything just to help.

Damn.

After doing some sleuthing (hey, spell-check didn't correct that!) I found this was all true. What I really like about this particular event is, even if you're not interested in helping anybody, you'll still have a great time. Here's the scoop:

What- "Flashback Friday" Party and Fundraiser for Amanda Campos Goodfellow's family.

Live Dj , Hoola hoops, brownies, hackey sack contest. $1 shots and tons of drink specials. $100 cash prize for the grooviest costume. Raffle tickets being sold for over 10 gift certificates including Outback steak house, Wonder bar, Susie at Unique reflections, 1 hour massage at Gentle Touch Imaging and more. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Amanda Goodfellow to help her while in Denver.

When- Friday, 4/20/2012

Where- Moonlight Liquors, 2305 E. 12th Street, Casper

Bonus- SATURDAY, there will be a silent Auction with items including a Scentsy set, local paintings, photography packages, signed baseball from Carlos Gonzales from the Colorado Rockies, Signed baseball bat from Troy Tulwitzki, 2 floor tickets to Tech n9ne and other items. Auction starts at Noon on Saturday the 21st at the moonlight liquors and ALL proceeds will go to Amanda.

Can't make it, but still want to help? There is an Ariana Health Fund set up at Well's Fargo under Sharon Goodfellow.