Bob Perks Fund debuts new, bright tribute

Jan 24, 2024

The Huntingdon County Chapter of the Bob Perks Fund is debuting a bright and colorful tribute to loved ones touched by cancer.

The organization is planting its first-ever "honor garden" during the annual survivor celebration and memorial event, scheduled for 1-6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Captain Jack Lions Park, Route 22, near Mill Creek.

Event coordinator Rickey Himes explained the garden will be planted with colorful paper flowers, each dedicated to someone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Flowers can be acquired through a $5 donation and pre-orders have been steady, Himes said.

"We have close to 200 flowers," she said, adding sales will continue throughout the day during the event.

"It's going to be really nice," Himes said. "We have so many people saying they can't wait to see it."

Starting at 5:30 p.m., all the names on the flowers will be read during the event's honor and memorial service.

Himes said the honor garden replaces the event's luminary display. She said luminaries really need nighttime conditions to reach their full visual impact; in June, darkness doesn't fall until close to 9 p.m., hours after the event is scheduled to wrap up.

Another attraction is the annual 50/50 stick horse races a field of a half-dozen competitors. Himes said riders and their "steeds" will be on the grounds encouraging "bets" while race outcomes will be determined by the roll of the dice. She said races start at 1:30, 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Himes said bets are $1 each and proceeds from the races are divided between the Bob Perks Fund and winning bettors.

Leading up to the big day, there are roughly 50 items listed for the event's basket and gift card raffle.

Himes said there will be live music all day long thanks to singer Eric Armstrong and friends. Baked goods and concessions will be available for sale.

All money raised during the event — whether through honor garden flowers, basket raffles, food sales or the stick horse race — stays in Huntingdon County to help local residents, Himes said.

"We help cancer patients who are going through treatment with their household bills," she said, adding the Bob Perks Fund also provides gas cards to help cover treatment-related travel expenses.

For additional information contact Himes through the Bob Perks Fund-Huntingdon County Chapter Facebook page or catch up with her in person at Saturday's event.

The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, a United Way organization, was established in 2006 in memory of Bob Perks of State College who died in 2005 at age 42 after a long battle with melanoma. Himes said there are now chapters throughout central Pennsylvania.

Rebecca can be reached at [email protected].

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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable..

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.

Updated: June 9, 2023 @ 8:37 pm

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