A total of $43,196 was raised for diabetes education at the third annual Because of Brandon event in Crosby on July 28. The funds will be used to send area youth to diabetes camps, for patient travel expenses and educational events.
Sponsorships and cash donations totalled $16,467 while the silent auction raised $11,830 and the raffles more than $13,000. Other events included an ATV ride, wine and beer tasting, mega meat raffle, and street dance.
The main raffle winners were: 2018 Alterra 500 ATV-Jim DeCent of Crosby; two-night Ruttger’s resort stay: Tim Kenyon of Isle; .22 LR Barracuda gun: Robert Brekke of Garrison; $150: Kathy Brown of Brainerd; and $50: Gary Cash of Crosby. Also, Alex McLaughlin of Deerwood won the float of booze raffle.
This year’s total raised was more than the first two events. In 2017, a total of $41,463 was raised and in the inaugural year $39,431 was raised. Most of the event proceeds provide scholarships for youth to attend Camp Needlepoint, a week-long, summer outdoor camp on the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisc., for youngsters with diabetes. The camp lets children have a great time participating in traditional activities while connecting with others with diabetes. Healthcare professionals oversee daily diabetes care and help campers learn to manage and live successfully with their disease. Scholarship recipients have been from Crosby, Aitkin, Pequot Lakes and Longville. Diabetes patients are also assisted with travel costs to see specialists in the Twin Cities and educational events are provided.
The event was held in memory of Brandon Houge, formerly of Ironton, who died at age 27 from diabetes complications. Houge was an employee of the Acuren Company in Duluth and was the manager of the Crosby Bar & Grill.
For more information about the diabetes fund, visit cuyunamed.org.