By Mark Boshnack
CHERRY VALLEY _ A village-sponsored benefit is being held at the community center on Saturday to aid a Cherry Valley girl and her family, a couple of those involved said.
Four-year-old Madison Hastings recently had surgery to help her recover from a congenital heart defect, said her mother, Sharon Timpano. This was the second surgery the youngster has had since birth, and more are possible, Timpano said.
Timpano, 42, who is a self-employed painting contractor, said she is grateful to Shirley and Paul Collison for organizing the events. Shirley baby-sits Madison and her sister, 10-year-old Mallory Timpano.
Timpano has Medicaid insurance but hasn't received bills for the June surgery, she said. The help is needed to pay for the costs associated with traveling to a Syracuse hospital, where the surgery took place, and taking off from work for three weeks, she said.
"It's wonderful," she said. "I can't believe how everyone is coming together."
This is the first benefit dinner Shirley Collison has done, she said, and she became involved because she could see Timpano needed help.
Paul Collison said many area businesses have been generous in donating gift certificates and merchandise, many of which will be sold during a Chinese auction. There will be 50-50 raffles during the day, he said.
About $1,500 was collected previously through garage sales and donation jars around the community, he said.
Village clerk Dorothy Johnson said the municipality got involved to help with the fundraising. The community center, which is jointly owned by the town, was offered free of charge for the event, she said.
Many of the village employees are making food or helping in some other way, she said.
For more information, call Paul or Shirley Collison at 264-3939.
Activities include:
ä 3 to 6 p.m. "" Car cruise-in behind the community center. Other types of vehicles have been invited.
ä 4 to 7 p.m. "" Spaghetti dinner, donations accepted.
ä 8 to 11 p.m. "" Dance with Mike Feulner and the Burners, an '80s rock band. $10 per person and $15 for a couple. Children are free.
