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‘Fun’raiser to honor memory of Gracie
By CHARY SOUTHMAYD
Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 |
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BELLEAIR – One year ago, residents of Belleair and surrounding communities came together at the Dimmitt Community Center for Gracie’s Big Splash, a fundraiser to help with medical costs for 5-year-old Gracie Purdy, who had been diagnosed with diffuse pontine glioma, a brain stem tumor.
Sadly, Gracie lost her valiant battle with the disease and passed away at her Belleair home on April 21, but efforts to help other families facing similar catastrophic circumstances continue in her honor.
Proceeds from Gracie’s Big Splash II this Sunday at the Dimmitt Community Center will benefit the Elena Tresh Foundation, named for a young girl who also succumbed to brain cancer. According to its Web site, the foundation provides support to those directly impacted by a child’s catastrophic illness, terminal diagnosis, or loss of life. Elena’s mother, Jennifer, was a source of support for the Purdy family as Gracie’s disease progressed.
For $10, Gracie’s Big Splash attendees will receive a wristband inscribed with an observation that Gracie made during the course of her grave illness: “Life is like a waiting room to get into heaven.”
The Splash will feature water slides, games, a huge bake sale, raffle prizes, disc jockey music and a return visit from the Bluffs firefighters, who will spray their fire hose over the kids. That splashy fun was a big hit at last year’s event.
Also available for purchase will be a $5 Gracie Meal, a bucket filled with a hot dog, chips, a soft drink and a cookie.
T-shirts, described by event organizer Karla Rettstatt as “really cute, something kids will really like” will be sold for $20.
Gracie’s parents, Marty and Llisiana Purdy, and her brother, Nolan, will attend Gracie’s Big Splash II. The past week has been especially difficult for them. Gracie would have turned 6 on July 30.
“We will meet, greet and thank people,” Marty Purdy said. “My hope is to make this something that can become an end of summer tradition in the town – kids getting crazy and having a blast on Gracie’s behalf and remembering her. We miss Gracie every day, every moment.”
Gracie’s Big Splash II is set for Sunday, Aug. 10, 5 to 8 p.m., at Belleair’s Dimmitt Community Center, 918 Osceola Road.
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Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008
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