A South Surrey woman is hosting a dinner and auction benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada Wednesday evening in honour of her late mother who passed away from cancer.
Pat Shelby, a nurse at Cloverdale Public Health Unit, will be heading the event, billed as an evening of "fine dining, classical guitar and silent auction" at Deluxe Restaurant on White Rock's waterfront.
"I wanted to do this for my mother who passed away this summer at the age of 88," she said. "Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way."
After her mother, Dorothy Lunney, also a registered nurse, passed, Shelby joined Team in Training, which provides support for those training for events at home and abroad. In exchange, participants raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
"As a nurse, even when I'm talking to my fellow nurses, we notice the difference and impact of research on those who are sick. A lot of work has come through from the society," Shelby said.
Local musician and guitarist Michael Gillette will be performing all evening with flutist and student Kate Yoshitoma.
Shelby has collected $12,600 in donated items for the silent auction, many of which were given to her by local businesses.
"Times are hard, but it's true when they say everyone has been touched by cancer," Shelby said.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m.
Limited tickets remaining. To purchase a ticket, email pat2661@telus.net