Staff writer
Darla Gore’s “sister friends” — otherwise called ‘the ya-ya sisters” — jumped into action when they found out Gore was diagnosed with cancer.
Greta Smith spearheaded a Pilsen event including dinner, raffle, silent auction, live auction, and dance to raise money for Gore’s medical bills.
“There’s a big group of girls that are all like sisters, and it hit the group hard,” Smith said.
Instead of saying, “Let us know what we can do to help,” they came up with their own help plan.
Smith set about making arrangements and found about 50 others eager to help with the project. People donated items for raffle and auction, food for the pulled pork sandwich meal, and their time to make things happen.
Donations continued to roll in until shortly before the dinner Friday.
“That’s why we live where we live,” Smith said. “When your family is affected by a fire or a disease, your neighbors are there for you. We are very blessed to have a very big group who have come together to help.”
Money has not been totaled up, but was deposited in an account set up for Gore.
Gore was able to be at the event and many well-wishers came to talk to her, Smith said.
“She danced with her husband a couple times,” Smith said. “People formed a circle around them. It was beautiful.”