The second annual Spring Festival April 16 at John A. Patten Recreation Center will benefit melanoma cancer research.
"This is a great event not only for melanoma cancer research, but also to celebrate the life of Mrs. Smith," said Joe Graham, Hamilton County Commissioner for District 6. "She was a wonderful lady. She was the type of person we should strive to be like."
Volunteers prepare to host the second annual Spring Festival honoring Elizabeth Roberta Smith. From left are organizers and volunteers Jason Ollis of Apac Midsouth, Joe Graham, Joe Manning, Don Smith and Neil Kjos.Hosted by Don Smith, owner of Sun and Shade Garden Center, the festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the recreation center's ball fields. All money raised will be added to the Elizabeth Roberta Smith Melanoma Cancer Memorial Fund.
"If you give me a dollar, then 98 1/2 cents goes to charity," said Smith, who started the festival to honor his wife, Elizabeth, who died in May 2009 of melanoma. "Last year we raised around $12,300."
The Spring Festival will include music, a silent auction, games, food and crafts vendors. Performers such as Jim Ricketts and Crystle Elean, The Hilltoppers and a group from Pine Hill Church of God will provide entertainment. Smith said that any interested vendors are welcome to contact him for information about the event.
"This was really all Don's doing and we as the Neighborhood Association have supported it with any volunteer support that he needs," said Neil Kjos, Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association president and owner of Lookout Valley Chiropractic. "Don sees a higher purpose here - that he can help fuel research and help prevent further deaths from melanoma cancer."
For more information call 802-8561 or visit www.elizabethmemorialfund.org.