A recent graduate of Boyle School has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer, and a dance to benefit him has been organized for next month.
“Joey Kensley is a member of the community of Boyle and a former student who graduated from Boyle School in 2012,” said one of the benefit dance organizers, Kathy Proctor. “On Saturday, Feb. 1, family, friends and community members from Boyle and surrounding areas will come together as one to help the Kensley family.”
The dance will be held at the Boyle Community Centre, and doors open at 8 p.m. The event is closed to minors as alcohol will be sold.
“Music will be by Kory Wlos, who is a country music artist who grew up in Boyle. During the dance, we will also have a silent auction,” Proctor explained. “So far, we have received a tremendous amount of support from our community and surrounding areas.”
Silent auction items include handmade quilts and helicopter rides.
“It is overwhelming how our community has come together to help the Kensley family,” said Proctor. “There will also be a concession available along with some door prizes and draws.”
Cash donations are also being accepted.
“If anyone is interested in making a donation in confidence, there is an account in trust for Joey Kensley set up at the CIBC in Boyle,” said Proctor.
“One of the cash donations will be from Boyle School,” she said. “The staff and students of Boyle School have decided to collect toonies for Joey and have set a goal of $1,000.”
If the students raise $1,000, four staff members will indulge in a spaghetti-eating contest.
The teachers will have their hands tied behind their backs and will undertake the contest with the entire student body present.
“This was the school’s way of showing Joey that they care and want to support him during this difficult time,” Proctor said.
