Wings hopes to fly high during big week
In a community heavily impacted by case after case of cancer, an organization that offers help without red tape shines bright.
Wings Regional Cancer Support helps cancer patients and their families with the out-of-pocket expenses associated with treatment. Volunteer Connie Wood has seen the local group grow over the past 11 years.
“We began to see the need for help to travel from Lincoln County to Kalispell for treatments – or wherever they need to go for treatments,” Wood said.
Wings can assist patients with expenses such as housing, transportation and meals. And qualifying for money is an easy process with local people and a one-page application.
“It stays local and that’s really important to people,” Wood said. “Every single penny goes to the patient.”
Of course, the organization relies on donations and fundraisers to flourish. From 1997-2008, Wings helped 1,799 people ranging in age from 15 to 59. Grants have now surpassed the $1 million mark with amounts increasing annually since 2004. Last year, Wings helped 241 people with grants that totaled $156,331.
The organization’s big week of the year is coming up with activities in Libby, Troy and the Yaak. It all started out in the early years with Dollar Day and has evolved into much more.
Wings staged its first Dollar Day back in 1997. Volunteers canvass the community in search of $1 donations. This year, Dollar Day will be on May 6 with Libby volunteers to meet at the Fire Hall and Troy volunteers to meet in the park across from Morrison Elementary.
“We usually have about 120 walkers on average,” said Wood, who is fighting cancer herself. “They are very dedicated people that come every year.”
Local youth also contribute their efforts into raising money. Libby Middle School students are helping cover the community looking for donations and high-schoolers plan various events, including a dance, walking the track for $1 per lap and painting purple footprints on Mineral Avenue. Students in Troy have also donated considerable funds to Wings.
Wings activities actually got started this past Sunday with the third annual youth trap shoot put on by the Yaak Rod and Gun Club. Coming up on Saturday, the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Yaak Tavern will benefit Wings. A Mexican food buffet begins at 6 p.m. and raffles and an auction will be held to raise funds.
On Tuesday, May 5, the annual Wings bowling tournaments will be staged at Lincoln Lanes in Libby and Trojan Lanes in Troy. Both events begin at 7 p.m. and no bowling skill is required. Wood said they are just fun gatherings.
Following Dollar Day on May 6, the special week will wrap up with the third annual Wings Spaghetti Feed on Saturday, May 9, at the Libby Elks Lodge.
“The first year, my husband and I just did it and donated the money to Wings,” said Kathy Dunham, volunteer and cancer patient. “The second year, we decided to combine it with Wings week.”
Her husband, Jon, has developed a reputation for his spaghetti sauce. The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., also includes a silent auction.
“He looks orange by the time it’s over,” Dunham laughed while talking about her husband.
Wings Week
Saturday, May 2
Cinco de Mayo at Yaak Tavern. Mexican buffet begins at 6 p.m. Various items to be raffled and auctioned off. For information, call Yaak Mercantile at 295-5159.
Tuesday, May 5
Bowling Tournaments at Lincoln Lanes and Trojan Lanes. Bowling begins at 7 p.m. Entry is $15 each and consist of four-man teams. To sign up in Libby, call Peggy Craver at 293-7842. In Troy, call 295-5024.
Wednesday, May 6
Dollar Day fundraiser. In Libby, volunteers are asked to meet at 5 p.m. at the Fire Hall. In Troy, meet at 5 p.m. at the park located across from Morrison Elementary. For anyone who is not contacted by a walker, donations can be dropped off at First National Bank in either community. Fo more information, call Connie Wood at 293-4380 or in Troy, Judy Orr at 295-4536 or Bonnie Price at 295-4773.
Saturday, May 9
Wings Spaghetti Feed at Libby Elks Lodge. Dinner, which includes spaghetti, bread, homemade dessert, beverage, begins at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $8. A silent auction will be held. Tickets will be available at the door.