Amazing support was received from the community in support of the Eighth Annual Night Out for Cystic Fibrosis.
“We had approximately 225 people attend the event, so we are really happy with the support that the community has shown again for the eighth year,” said Mike Weger. “It gives us confidence to keep going, and most likely do it again next year.”
In addition to the number of people who attended the evening, there were also a lot of donations for the live and silent auctions.
“We had enormous support from a number of local businesses and individuals,” said Weger.
This year, to recognize relief efforts in Fort McMurray, after the disastrous fire in their community, 25 per cent of the liquor proceeds was donated to the Red Cross.
“It was a little difficult to come to do a fundraiser, after the horrific event in Fort McMurray. We felt that we had to do something to help those in need,” said Weger.
The Night Out for Cystic Fibrosis is held as a personal commitment by Mike and Cara Weger to do everything they could to help find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis.
Their 11-year-old daughter Teresa was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was two-and-a-half years old.
Recently, Teresa has been receiving treatments from the hospital to help her with cystic fibrosis. During the evening, Teresa had said that she understands on a more personal level why the fundraising is so important to support those treatments.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. Cystic fibrosis affects breathing and digestion, and there is no cure.
Entertainment during the evening was provided by Codie Prevost and Weyburn’s own Tenille Arts, who made a special stop in Weyburn from Nashville.
Tenille shares a close bond with Teresa and has performed for all eight years of the fundraiser.
During last year’s cystic fibrosis fundraiser, Tenille Arts debuted the song “Breathe” which helped raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Canada through sales on iTunes.
On the release day of “Breathe”, it went all the way up to #6 on the Country iTunes Chart.
“It means a lot that she recorded a song for cystic fibrosis,” said Teresa. During a recent dance competition, Teresa performed her lyrical solo to “Breathe”.
The funds raised during the Night Out for Cystic Fibrosis are donated to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and directed toward research efforts to find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis.
“We will keep going until CF stands for ‘Cure Found’,” said Weger.
Since Mike and Cara began fundraising in 2008, they have raised over $250,000.
These funds have assisted with research advancements that are extending the lives of young people and adults living with cystic fibrosis.
