Celebrity Classic delivers support to many area charities

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Celebrity Classic “Sweet 16” began Friday (Sept. 24) and runs through Oct. 3 with events including bowling, tennis, tennis ball drop, Texas Hold’ Em poker tournament, celebrity golf tournament, survivors’ challenge 5k run, gala and dinner and awards ceremony.

More than 400 came out to celebrate the “Sweet 16” Celebrity Classic on Friday (Oct.) 1 at the annual gala, dinner, entertainment and auction. Last year, the event helped raise more than $195,000 that was distributed to different nonprofit organizations that are supported by the Classic.

This year, $160,000 will be distributed to eight different organizations. These include Bost, Inc., Good Samaritan Clinic, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Helping Hands for Children, Making a Difference, One Kid at a Time, Donald Reynolds Cancer Support House, Arkansas/Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association, and Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children.

There were 30 celebrities known for their time in the lime light, that donated their time in the various fund raisers. But the celebrity of the evening Friday was 5-year-old Benjamin Ross. Ross is a fun loving, energetic, outgoing boy who would capture your heart with his big smile. He was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (cancer of the liver) at the age of 3.

His only symptoms were stomach pain which came on usually when asked to quit playing to take a bath. After a couple of months, his mother took him to a walk-in clinic where he was seen by Dr. Donald Samms. He took time, questioned him, and sent him to St. Edward.  Samms called Ross’ parents and told them to take their son Childrens’ Hospital in Little Rock. With such mild symptoms, one can only imagine their surprise at the diagnosis.

Benjamin’s cancer was stage 3, which means it is inoperable. He received 6 months of chemotherapy and had 25% of his liver removed. He suffers sensory neural hearing impairment from the chemotherapy. He is now in remission and has to be scanned every 3 months.

When asked by Make-A-Wish Foundation what he wished for, he replied “to ride a train.” He is getting his wish. At Friday’s gala, he was called to the stage by Make-A-Wish volunteer Glee Cosner who told him the good news. The celebrities helped make this wish come true. Benjamin and his family will take a train ride to the Grand Canyon.

After the silent auction, the attendees enjoyed dinner and dessert provided by Golden Corral and Harps, respectively. Singer Gary Morris performed for the audience.