LEESBURG — Reggae music by Grizzae filled the dining room at the Tippecanoe Country Club Saturday evening as 140 guests gathered to support the Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County. The band played music fitting the event theme of “A Caribbean Night.”

The tables were decorated with white and ocean breeze orchids, and tropical palm branches. Even the meal for the evening had the Caribbean flair with Caribbean jerk chicken, pineapple mango mahi, dirty rice and a banana pineapple shortcake.

The evening was a success as more than $40,000 was raised for patients battling cancer in Kosciusko County.

Guest had the opportunity to bid on 42 different silent auction items ranging from a large custom storage chest for patio decks or docks to a 5 pound box of chocolates, gift certificates for photo sessions, bowling, massage, groceries and a variety of gift baskets. There was even a stand up paddleboard, theater tickets, Adirondack chairs, tickets to an Indianapolis Colts game and more.

Terry Tucker, Robyn and Mike Lamle check out the hors d’oeuvres.

The live auction items included a yacht trip in Florida, progressive dinner, a doll house, diamond palm tree necklace, vacation experiences and a lot more. There was also an opportunity for guests to help with monthly expenses for patients at various levels, which raised more than $10,000 on its own. Brian Wuthrich, auctioneer, donated his time for the evening.

Prior to the start of the live auction, Tyson Baker briefly spoke about why she became involved with the Cancer Care Fund and one of the live auction items. “I lost my sister-in-law Tabby (Tabatha Reber) five months ago to breast cancer. She fought a very courageous battle for about three years… It was really important to me to volunteer my time, finances and things to help those going through cancer because I watched my 42-year-old brother and my sister-in-law, they have three young children Conner, 18; Ryan 12 and Cora 4… I watched Tabatha manage a scenario that to me seemed impossible …divinely courageous, gracious, tough.”

She introduced the first live auction item, a piece of art created by her nephew, Connor. His dream is to be a game artist and will be attending Full Sail University at Winter Park, Fla. He volunteered to do a piece of art for the auction. Each piece is from the game Fortnite. “He chose all the characters from this game that represented the courageous battle his mom went through and the courageous battle everyone battling cancer went through.”

By the end of the evening the silent auction generated more than $7,000 and more than $32,000 was raised with the live auction.

Since Jan. 1, the Cancer Care Fund, managed by the K21 Health Foundation, has distributed $107,613.88 to 76 clients by means of car payments, rent/mortgage payments, gas cards, food certificates, utilities, patient programs and many more areas.

Grizzae reggae band from Chicago provided the live music for the evening.

Eric and Becky Essig check out the silent auction items.

Chad Wooten checks in Craig and Melanie McBride.

The room was full with dinner guests.

Donette Smock, Cindi Wells, Jeff Wells, Leighton and Maureen Wells are ready for the evening.

Jackie McDonald puts the finishing touches on the life-size doll house she donated for the auction.