Event raises $20K, awareness for cystic fibrosis

Guests take photos during the Caribbean-themed Summer Bash for Cystic Fibrosis at Moses Pointe over the weekend. The event raised about $20,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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| June 25, 2014 6:00 AM

MOSES LAKE - Community members gathered over the weekend to show their support and raise funds for cystic fibrosis research.

Nearly 250 people attended the Summer Bash for Cystic Fibrosis at Moses Pointe Saturday, organizer Liz Porter said. She estimated the event raised more than $20,000 - funds that will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The non-profit organization focuses on supporting the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improving the quality of life for those with cystic fibrosis and finding a cure. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

Porter said about 30,000 people in the nation have cystic fibrosis. And raising awareness about the disease has become a top cause for her and her family, she said.

Porter's niece was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after her birth.

"She had complications at birth and was sent to a children's hospital in Seattle, where it was determined she had cystic fibrosis," Porter said.

Since then, her family has been involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by helping them raise awareness and funds.

They participate in the Great Strides Walk, which the foundation hosts in various cities around the country. The nearest one takes place in Tri-Cities.

Knowing that there are other families in Grant County who have loved ones with cystic fibrosis, she said they wanted to do something to raise awareness on a bigger scale. They came up with the idea for the Summer Bash and began planning for the event.

Porter said their original fundraising goal was $15,000. They exceeded that goal, but only because of the support from the local community, she said.

"We appreciate everyone that came out, it was thrilling to see the willingness of people to participate and to give," Porter said. "It was huge to create this awareness for cystic fibrosis."

In addition to ticket sales, guests helped raise money by bidding on live auction items and a putting game. Porter said many merchants throughout the county were generous in donating auction items and raffle prizes for the event.

Support even came in the form of donations from golfers and diners who were at Moses Pointe while they were setting up for the event, she said.