Family members, friends and fundraisers will be partying for a good cause on Saturday, Aug. 16 at St. Michael’s Distractions Bar and Grill as the community attempts to raise funds for Erin Baker, a young woman who has spent the last seven years battling Melanoma.
The event is set for 2 p.m. to close on Saturday, Aug. 16 in the bar and in the mall parking lot. The night will include everything from a bean bag tournament and raffles to music and food.
First diagnosed when she was just 27, Erin Baker, sister of Matt Baker of Albertville, found out her cancer was Stage IV recently when she suffered a seizure while working in her home area of Phoenix, Arizona.
The seizure was the result of the Melanoma’s metastatic state – cancer had spread from a spot on her shoulder throughout her body, including several small tumors on her brain.
Since February, Erin has had brain surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, radiation and a cocktail of drugs to help her fight cancer. She’s completed full brain radiation, and is spending late July on a vacation with some friends and family.
St. Michael’s Jennifer Helstrom, Matt Baker’s good friend and a bartender at Distractions, said it’s one of the first fundraisers like this for the bar.
“We’re hoping for a really big crowd, of course. But really, it’s just a chance for all of us to have some fun. It’s been a crazy six months for her and for their family, so it’s kind of needed.”
Owner Jeff Murray said the bar will be donating proceeds and most workers will be donating tips throughout the day. There will also be raffles and silent auction items.
Anyone willing and ready to donate to the silent auction should contact Matt Baker at 763-443-7214, or Helstrom at 320-630-5710 for more information. The crew is still collecting items for the big event.
Cost for the event is $20 for adults, and $10 for kids. Food is included in the price, as well as one ticket for the raffle. The rest will be donated to the Baker cause.
For more information on Erin’s journey, visit TeamErinBaker.com.
