RUNNING FREE FROM CANCER FUNDRAISER

Cancer touches us all. Your husband was told he has cancer. Your childhood friend died of cancer - your sister, your brother, your mother, your father, your wife, your child. You have cancer. You not only undergo the anxiety of coping with a cancer diagnosis, you are challenged with new financial crises as well.

Running Free From Cancer, inspired by the loss of a childhood friend, is a fundraiser to benefit cancer patients. Local artists and businesses have come together to donate artwork and other items to help raise money for the cause. The fundraiser will include a silent auction and a raffle ticket drawing. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Bozeman Deaconess Cancer Center Treatment Patient Care Fund, which provides immediate assistance to cancer patients experiencing financial difficulties. There will be a special drawing during the reception for cancer patients for a chance to win an overnight stay for two at the Voss Inn Bed & Breakfast, $100 gift certificate for Montana Ale Works, and more. Cancer patients may pick up free "Hope" tickets at the Cancer Center and Cancer Support Center in Bozeman beginning February 14.

Silent auction items include watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, ceramics, handcrafted items, gift certificates, and more. Raffle tickets will be for sale for a chance to win Shirley Robinett's featured horse, "Running Free." Featured artists donating their art for the silent auction are Laura Anderson, L. Joy Cole, Gloria Dennis, Jerolyn Dirks, Robyn Duff, Marge Fehrer, Big Jim Harris, Terry Holland-Meyers, Larry Hughes, Les Meyers, Louise Payovich, Richard Pence, Debra Ramsdell, Mary Lee Reese, Mark N. Roberts, Trent Swenson, Austin Trayser, Priscilla Westesen, Linda Williams, and Cindy Zullo.

Running Free From Cancer will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, at Old Main Gallery & Framing in Bozeman, 129 East Main (3 doors west of the Palomino Horse in the air). A reception will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with live music by Bozeman's own folk singer/songwriter Kurt Prond. Meet and greet the featured artists and many others who have been touched by cancer.

Art is available for early viewing and bidding until February 17 at 5:00 p.m. at Old Main Gallery. Live silent auction bidding at Old Main Gallery February 18 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Phone bids welcome during the live silent auction at 406-587-8860. Find us on facebook at "Running Free From Cancer." Info: [email protected] / 406-579- 6975 or Lynda at [email protected] / 406/ 406-587-8860 / 1-888-587-8860.