Benefit to aid man battling cancer

SANDPOINT — Community residents are invited to a Saturday benefit to help a local man battling cancer.

Buff Johnson, 55, was diagnosed recently with cancer  and his medical expenses have already exceeded his insurance coverage for the disease. However, organizers said Johnson still requires bi-weekly treatments.

However, the ongoing treatments prevent the Sandpoint native from working and Johnson has exhausted his reserves. Organizers said the longtime resident now has no resources to cover living expenses and other financial obligations. Those close to him can attest to his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty and organized a benefit auction and dinner in his behalf, said Jeannette Jones, one of the event organizers..

The benefit begins at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Dinner will be available for $10 per plate shortly thereafter, with the auction to follow. Each dinner ticket purchased will be placed in a drawing for a week-long getaway at Stoneridge Resort. The winner must be present to claim the prize.

Johnson was born and raised in Sandpoint and has lived and worked locally all his life.

“He has always been one of the first to jump in and help when others have needed it, and it’s now our turn to help him in any way we can,” Jones said.

Historically, Jones said the community has responded generously in helping with benefit auctions, both contributing and turning out.

An account has also been set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Sandpoint for those who cannot attend the auction but wish to contribute.

Information: Wendy Sater,  290-5020; Sonia Brisboy, 255-6320; Judie Bluemer, 290-5111; or Jan Hansen 290-5442