Benefit planned Saturday for 3-year-old girl

Three-year-old Scarlett Telford, who has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (b-cell), will benefit from anyone who attends the spaghetti feed and silent auction on Saturday night at the Eagles Hall.

The Cancer Warriors for Central Nevada have chosen Scarlett as their delegate this year, meaning all events they host are specifically for her. Ninety percent of the proceeds from everything are given to the family.

The community is invited to dinner for $10 a plate and $5 for children ages 12 and under. The organizers are also accepting donations of many types for the auction. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The auction will close at 8 p.m.

Topken will be at the Eagles Hall beginning at noon on Saturday for anyone who wants to drop off donations for the auction. Eagles Hall is located at 7977 Reno Highway.

“The family can spend it however they need,” said Laurel Topken, president of the Cancer Warriors for Central Nevada. “We usually select one or two (delegates), so we can help them out in a great way. If we tried to help more, they wouldn’t get as much. This way, we can do more for someone. That last 10 percent is to help us put on the following events. Nobody in our group gets paid; we pay the bills then put anything toward the next event.”

Scarlett was diagnosed in October last year and has been receiving treatments in San Francisco, taking her mother, Teya, away from her business often and limiting her income.

Early last year, Teya took over as owner of the Red Zinnia, a gift, wine and beer shop and garden at 111 S. Taylor St.

While Scarlett’s treatments are mostly covered by their insurance, travel and other associated costs, and their personal bills, are not. Teya would also love to keep Scarlett in the house and neighborhood she loves, and in a stable environment during the rigorous and weakening treatment.

“Scarlett touched my heart,” said family friend Teresa Morrow, who helps raise money for the family. “I just want to try and do anything, as much as possible.”

Also keep in mind, on Aug. 6, there will be a “Redneck Shindig” at the Churchill County Fairgrounds. The Cancer Warriors are in search of vendors, musicians and other participants for this event too. The shindig will offer a “redneck” and classic car show, a 5K, flea market and other family-friendly attractions and activities including kids games.

Topken said when they do a shindig, it’s typically only a “redneck” car show. This means average cars can be featured but in categories aiming for the rustiest or muddiest as examples. Yet this year they have a category for classic cars as well.

If individuals are interested in participating in either event, call 775-629-2629 or visit www.facebook.com/RedneckShindig for vendor and car show applications, as well as to stay connected about upcoming events and learn more about getting involved.

The “Redneck Shindig” and spaghetti feed are the two big fundraisers for the year, but the Cancer Warriors will continue to host yard sales and bake sales to raise as much as they can for the Telfords.

You can also donate to the Telfords at www.gofundme.com/b6vk9wn8.