 | HELPING CHILDREN: Madison Caper, 4, far left, Annette Vella-Zarb, daughter Ashley, two and-a-half years, and Doug Capers along with daughter Faith, 8 months, will benefit from the 13th annual wild game and auction put on by the Knights of Columbus Council 9693 in Pain Court Sunday afternoon. [Photo: Diana Martin]
PAIN COURT -- This year's been tough, so far, for Doug Capers. It started off with tragedy when his wife Laura died, at age 25, of a blood clot on New Year's Eve, related to the birth of their second child, Faith. "It's been an adventure to say the least," Capers said.
His daughters Madison, 4, and Faith, eight-months, have been coping with their mother's death, he added.
Life got a little easier to cope with for the Wallaceburg family, thanks to the 13th annual wild game and auction, organized by the Knights of Columbus Council 9693 and held Sunday in the basement of the Immaculee Conception Roman Catholic Church.
The meal is sponsored by Bob N Buoys and Laurie's Catering.
Half of the approximate $15,000 expected to be raised from the event will be used to set up an education trust fund for Madison and Faith.
Another special little girl will also benefit from the event. The money will help make life a little easier for two-and-a-half year-old Ashley Vella-Zarb and her mother Annette.
Ashley was born, with Pfeiffer Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes head and facial deformities.
Her mother said the money will be used for specialized equipment, such as a walker, and to cover the cost of going to Toronto for appointments at The Hospital for Sick Children.
Both parents appreciate the support they are getting from this event, which receives support from such sponsors as Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire and Leon's Furniture and Appliances.
The event, which sells out every year, is also well supported by the community.
"It makes me feel so good all of these people here care so much for my little Ashley," her mother
Annette said.
"I think, it's wonderful," said Capers.
He said the support and generosity he's received from the community since his wife died is amazing.
"It's overwhelming, really," he added.
Norb King, chairman of the wild
game dinner, said "this is for the kids. That's the way it's always been."
Bob Branquet, owner of Bob N Buoys, said the event "is a hot ticket" every year.
He credits that to the organization of it and to the hard work by the many volunteers involved in making the event a success. [Courtesy: Ellwood Shreve & Diana Martin - Chatham Daily News]
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