That person is Logan Smith. This past Wednesday, 9-year-old Logan passed away in a Seattle hospital after a seven-month battle with a rare form of renal cancer. Now Logan's family faces another struggle, in the form of a mountain of expenses related to the boy's treatment.
So Martin and his employees at Martin Contracting are building a 6-foot-by-8-foot playhouse in Logan's memory, and to help raise money to pay those bills.
Martin isn't the only friend of the family pouring time and resources into Logan's cause. In the short few days since Logan passed away, a group of supporters has organized a massive fundraising event scheduled for Saturday evening at the Iron Horse Brew Pub, located at 501 N. Higgins Ave. in downtown Missoula.
The event, which takes place from 4-9 p.m., features live music by Mike Bader and friends, and live and silent auctions featuring a dizzying range of items.
“The kid was pretty unbelievable, and I think a lot of people got involved in following his struggle because he was just so strong in the face of this (cancer),” said Nick Davis, another friend of Logan and his mother, Becky Smith. “The costs that the family is dealing with are pretty astronomical, even though they had good insurance, so it's great to see so many people stepping forward to help.”
Indeed, the list of items to be auctioned at Saturday's fundraiser is impressive, and includes a Layne Timothy original painting, titled “Logan's Field;” a three-night trip to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, airfare included; a five-day raft trip on the Salmon River; bicycles and sports memorabilia and more. All told, the value of the items up for auction totals more than $46,000.
Davis stresses that even people who aren't interested in bidding on items in the auction can help the family simply by showing up and having a drink or dinner. All profits from food and beverage sales for the evening will go to Logan Smith's family.
“People have really opened their hearts and their pockets to make this a great event,” said Mike Martin. “I think this is one of the reasons it's great to live in a community like this.”
You can help
A benefit to raise money for the family of Logan Smith will be held at the Iron Horse Brew Pub, 501 N. Higgins Ave., on Saturday from 4-9 p.m. A live and silent auction will take place, and proceeds from all food and beverage sales will go toward the family's needs.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)