Charity Snowball event to benefit for 2-year-old with cancer

November 16, 2019 | 3:20 am

Updated November 15, 2019 | 4:35 pm

Photo contributed by Larissa Sampson

What started as a group of friends reminiscing about their high school prom, led to the creation of an event with the objective to support a local child with cancer in the community. The Winter Charity Snowball, which the group hopes to make an inaugural event, is coming to the Owensboro Country Club on Dec. 14.

“This idea was brought up at dinner one night,” said event promoter Tristan Higgs. “We were out with another couple and somehow we stumbled across high school prom. We decided what better way to help people and relive prom than creating an adult prom charity benefit.”

Higgs said the unique event will offer adults the opportunity to dress up in formal attire, enjoy dancing, bid on silent auction items, all while supporting a great cause.

“The proceeds will go to Larissa Sampson, whose daughter Giana was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia,” said Higgs. “We want to make a difference in this girl’s life.”

At just 2 years old, Giana is battling cancer for the second time. According to her mom, she was initially diagnosed in August 2018 where she spent eight months at Norton Children’s Hospital.

Giana went into remission in April 2019, but relapsed in June 2019. Currently, Giana is receiving treatment at Cincinnati Children’s in hopes of receiving a bone marrow transplant. While in Cincinnati, she has also developed a heart condition. Even with the uncertainty of her child’s illness, Larissa acknowledges the support of a community who rallies around others in the time of need.

“Our community has been great,” she said. “They have showed so much support through prayers and reaching out with encouraging notes.”

Giana does not currently have a donation page, but her mom says that events like this are appreciated. Silent auction items at the event will include gift certificates to several local businesses, memberships at local workout facilities and themed gift baskets.

“My passion for charity events is fueled by the overwhelming number of children being diagnosed with a form of cancer each day,” Higgs said. “I believe that if I can contribute in a small way it will be worth it.”

Tickets for the Charity Snowball are $30 for a single ticket or $50 per couple. For more information on the Charity Snowball, visit their event page on Facebook or purchase tickets here.

“We hope to take away a great deal of memories, community support and a platform so this event can be an annual one. If people can see a community coming together to help families in need maybe we will see more events like this in the future,” Higgs said.

November 16, 2019 | 3:20 am

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