Fund-raiser Pool Party for Ava Simonsen

A Pool Party fund-raiser was held on Nov. 9 to help defray medical expenses for the family of Ava Simonsen, a three-year-old Cherokee girl recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Ava is the daughter of Derek and Rachel Simonsen, and the grandaughter of Tim and Lisa Perrin and Craig and Bev Simonsen.

The Pool Party was held from 1-4 p.m. at the Cherokee Wellness Center. There were fun and games, raffle drawings, and door prizes throughout the event. The Cherokee County Cattlemen's Association will also cook up a delicious meal for free-will donations.

Raffle tickets were sold for $5, with the grand prize winner winning a family vacation to Adventureland, including four tickets and a stay at the Adventureland Inn. The winners of that raffle were Todd and Shannon Goettsch. Other prizes included Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Drake University, and Iowa Chops athletic game tickets.

Donations are also being accepted at Cherokee State Bank, and North Star Community Credit Union, and a grain bank has been set up at all First Co-op Elevators. Donations also can be sent to the Rainbow House, c/o Ava Simonsen, 7815 Harney St., Omaha, Neb. 68114-4511.