By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Hundreds of Moapa Valley locals gathered at Grant Bowler Park in Logandale on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 21, for a fundraising effort to help a neighbor in need. The Byers family of Overton has had cancer invade their lives in the last year.
In 2018, Teresa Byers was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. The mounting medical bills and additional related costs have been a great financial hardship for the family.
So the Moapa Valley community has banded together and decided that the Byers could use a little extra help. Dozens of volunteers donated time and resources to help with the major event. There were a number of attractive items on display for the raffle; all donated by local businesses and individuals.
There was plenty of food for families to enjoy. Petite pork tacos and a variety of side dishes were prepared and served.
One special highlight of the evening, a special favorite of young children, was a petting zoo brought to the event by Winward Farms of Logandale. The zoo included emus, New Zealand piglets, ponies, a calf, chickens. It attracted the attention of many small children who enjoyed the festivities.
There were plenty of more activities for kids and adults alike. A mechanical bull gave a challenge to those who dared to give it a try. A “wipe out” activity required participants to navigate a round chamber while avoiding contact with a large rotating arm which threatened to knock them down. Several large inflatable slides were on hand for kids and adults to enjoy. The local volunteer fire department was also in attendance with fire trucks and free hats for the little ones. There was also a slime station, where several children donated homemade slime for sale.
Always a popular favorite was the facepainting station. Children and adults were painted and sparkled throughout the evening.
“What a huge success tonight has been,” said attendee Dan Bailey of Logandale. “What a great community we have. This was an incredible turn out.”
“We really appreciate everything that was donated!” said Teresa’s husband Jeremy. “The items provided and the time spent by everyone was just amazing. We are truly overwhelmed by the support that has been shown to us.”
Teresa’s latest tests show that the cancer has not spread. However, further treatment is ongoing for her at this time. The Byers family would like to express their love and appreciation to all.
