Friends of Mara turn out in force for fundraiser Saturday

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Brandi Nevins of Adel is the mother of Mara Nevins, 4, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has been through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy over the last year. Photo courtesy Jessica Gohn, Photography by Jessica

Some 400 friends and supporter’s of Mara Nevis, 4, of Adel attended a fundraising dinner and silent auction Saturday at ADM High School.

Friends of 4-year-old Mara Nevins showed up by the hundreds Saturday at the benefit for Mara and Tori’s Angels Foundation at ADM High School.

About 400 friends and supporters from Adel and surrounding communities brought Mara their love and support, and many were extremely generous with their donations for the free-will lunch for more than 150 impressive silent auction items.

One organizer said, “I’m so glad that we had such a great turnout and the community came out in full force!” The benefit was such a success that it may be the foundation’s largest benefit yet.

Everyone signed a large “We Love You, Mara!” card to show their support. Mara’s pre-school friends sang for her, and Mara was serenaded by her sister Cora and other friends.

Justice Corps of Iowa superheroes appeared on behalf of Mara Nevins Saturday.

Children had their faces painted, and a few enjoyed looking at their image in a full-length mirror up for bid in the silent auction. Superheroes from Justice Corps of Iowa posed for pictures with admiring, delighted children.

Everyone enjoyed a lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, ice cream and delicious dessert bars baked by local friends.

Four-year-old Mara is the daughter of Lyle and Brandi Nevins of Adel. She was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor and has undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Her oncologist is now seeking alternate treatment for Mara that might entail travel to another state. All trip expenses for Mara and her parents will be paid by the Tori’s Angels Foundation for as many trips as might be needed.

The Tori’s Angels Foundation raises funds to help the families of their supported children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation pays all medical expenses not covered by insurance from the date of sponsorship. This includes travel expenses to treatment (airfare, hotel, meals) as well as medical co-pays, deductibles and prescription medicine.

The foundation recently accepted two additional children and now supports 23 children in central Iowa, having sponsored a total of 29 children since 2010. Members from seven of Tori’s Angels supported families attended Mara’s fundraiser Saturday.

One parent shared later, “We were very touched to see how many people came out to support Mara and the rest of the Tori’s Angels kids. You could feel the support in the room.”

Tori’s Angels wishes to thank everyone who made this event possible—from the planning group to each donor.

Those unable to attend the benefit but who wish to help Mara and other Tori’s Angels children are invited to send donations to foundation chairman Bill Ridgley at 4677 Panorama Drive, Panora IA 50216.

An online donation option is located on the Tori’s Angels Facebook page. Supporters can “Like” the Tori’s Angels Facebook page to receive regular updates on the children.

For more information about Tori’s Angels or to request an application for support, contact foundation chairman Bill Ridgley at bridgley@netins.net or 712-249-6423.

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