Our Opinion: Fellowship, fun and a boost for cancer patients

Cancer patients deserve a boost.

In this case boost refers to a helping hand as well as the "Boost" nutritional supplement that provides essential nutrients and vitamins to patients battling cancer.

The annual Boost Barbecue will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. today at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds. A donation of $15 for adults includes barbecue and beverages. Tickets are available at the event.

Now in its 23rd year, the event is hosted by the Goldschmidt Cancer Center in cooperation with the American Cancer Society and Naught-Naught Insurance Agency.

The fund-raising event traces its origins to a garage sale held behind the Naught-Naught Insurance Agency offices, according to Sharon Naught, one of the founders. It became a barbecue held at a local park and eventually was moved to the fairgrounds to accommodate a larger crowd.

This year's event is expected to serve in excess of 1,000 people.

The event also will include a silent auction and Rosy's Raffle, named in memory of Rosalie Heislen, a longtime News Tribune employee who Boost organizers have honored as a "good friend" of the event.

Co-chairs for this year's event are Marla Riley and Ann Littlefield, who also is the mother of one of the honorees, Amanda Littlefield Prouty, daughter of Ken and Ann Littlefield. Also being honored are Morris and Dorothy Burger, who operate Burger's Smokehouse in California.

The barbecue also is being held in memory of Janice Dudenhoeffer and Bob Vostal.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Nutritional Supplement and Wigs Program at Patient Education and Resource Center, located at the Goldschmidt Cancer Center.

"It's so important to provide the Boost supplement," Naught said, "and the proceeds serve people in 19 Mid-Missouri counties."

"And," she added, "it's also a great time."

A great time to help a lot of people always is a winning combination.