Because of Brandon, a fund raiser in memory of Brandon Houge who unexpectedly passed away from complications from diabetes in 2015, will be held Friday, July 23, in Deerwood. All proceeds will be used to benefit area diabetes patients and fund youth diabetes camps, travel expenses, and educational events.

The event will include a wine, beer and spirits tasting with appetizers, silent auction, live music by Yesterdaze, raffles, bags tournament, beer garden, and pizza by the slice, all at the Deerwood American Legion. There will also be a ATV Rider coordinated by the Cuyuna Iron Range Riders on Saturday, July 24, beginning at 9 a.m. Riders will meet at the Mississippi River Northwoods Trailhead.

The main raffle tickets are for a 2020 Polaris UTV ($8,430 value), Cragun’s golf package with lodging and meals ($900 value), $500, $150, and $50. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the Cuyuna Lakes Pharmacy, Deerwood Legion, Town Tavern, Barstock Liquors and Trailside Tavern.

More than 34 million people in the United States, or 10.5 percent of the population, have diabetes. When diabetes is not well controlled, people with diabetes are at an increased risk of serious health complications including blindness, amputation, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and premature death.  Because of Brandon raises funds that go toward initiatives to promote awareness of this serious disease as well as programs to support those already living with diabetes.

Houge, 27, formerly of Ironton died at his home in Duluth. He was a graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School’s Class of 2006 and a graduate of the National School of Non-Destructive Testing. Houge was an employee of the Acuren Company in Duluth and was the former manager of the Crosby Bar and Grill.

The event is sponsored by Crosby Fire Relief Association, Hubbard Radio, Tito’s Vodka, R & J Broadcasting, Cuyuna Fire Relief Association, Cygneture Title Solutions, Landwehr Construction, PSB*MARS, Sourcewell, Life Link III, Range Disposal, and Unity Bank.

Event updates are available at brandon2021.givesmart.com. For more information, contact Jennifer Podsiadly at Jennifer.Podsiadly@cuyunamed.org or 218-545-4455.

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