Locals help Kimberly Keller combat cancer

SANDPOINT — Kimberly Keller was recently diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. 

To help cover expenses, her loved ones are hosting a benefit auction and dinner June 1 for the local waitress and member of the Sandpoint Eagles.

Prior to the dinner and auction, a charity cribbage tournament will be held with a $20 buy in and prizes for first and second place. Those interested can sign up through the Sandpoint Eagles. The tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starting at 3 p.m. the Hoot Owl will be providing a pulled pork dinner for $12 a person. A dessert auction will take place following dinner A silent auction will be ongoing throughout the event and a live auction with Jeff Sater will begin at 5 p.m.

Breanna Keller, Kimberly Keller’s daughter-in-law, is helping organize the event. She said that around 100 items have been donated for the auction including an 18-hole round of golf at the Idaho Club for two people, a two-night stay in a Lake Tower room at the Coeur d’Alene Resort with a $100 dining credit, a truck-full of firewood, a luxury condo with a rooftop hot tub weekend stay, and many others. 

“This benefit is going to be huge,” Keller said. “I can’t believe, honestly, how many people have come forth to help with it and help donate. It’s pretty wonderful.”

For the past 13 years, Kimberly has been waitressing in Sandpoint, serving customers at Connie’s cafe for eight years, and the Hoot Owl for the past five. 

Now, she said she is overwhelmed by the support she is receiving from the community and didn’t realize how many would be willing to help, citing her impact in their lives. 

“I didn’t realize until this that I had made any mark at this point,” Keller said. “Because I am 100% humbled by the amount of support and help that we’re getting from the community. I don’t know how I’m ever going to thank or repay any of these people.”

As a member of the Sandpoint Eagles, she has also helped run many fundraisers and craft shows. Now that she is on the other end of the fundraiser, she said she finds it challenging to not be able to be a part of the organizing. 

“I’m the one that usually tries to be the one to help, and it’s very awkward to be the one in this position and not say ‘what should I be doing, what do you need?,” she said. “I plan these things, I’m at these meetings planning all this. I guess more people paid attention than I realized, I don’t know.” 

Kimberly offered her thankfulness to the community, saying she hopes to find a way to repay them.

Funds from the event will help cover Keller’s medical expenses and treatment. The fundraiser will be held at the Sandpoint Eagles, 1511 John Huddon Lane.