$5,660.

That was the amount Eunice Coughlin, a cancer survivor, who is 81 years young raised at her second annual Cancer Benefit held at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club on June 82. Coughlin had the full support of her family and extended family helping her in this grassroots fund raiser. Her support went beyond her family to the community of Blooming Prairie. She had the facilities of the Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club rent free along with the paper goods they used at the fund raiser. Sport Stitch in Blooming Prairie donated 30 tee shirts that her family members wore that had printed on them Cancer Benefit 2002, We Can Make a Difference. The grade school children of Blooming Prairie Elementary brought in their extra pennies and change and raised $289 for this benefit.

"My son, Francis Coughlin collected aluminum cans and he took one batch in and raised $128. He is still collecting them so people can still bring them to his home," said Coughlin.

Geneva Meats donated the meat for the barbecue sandwiches that were served at the Servicemen's Club. Baked goods were made by Coughlin and her daughters and granddaughters. A niece, Dawn Underwood provided neck and shoulder massages to help raise money. Underwood is a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

"It truly was a family affair. Two of my grandson's provided the music that we danced to. Music was by DJ Sonic Eclipse and live music by Outlet. There was so much going on. We had a live auction and silent auction. Everyone was so generous," said Coughlin.

A quilt that Eunice had sewn was auctioned off for $270. There were door prizes that guests signed up for. The big door prize, a DVD player was won by Dorothy Johnson of Blooming Prairie.

Coughlin says she is tentatively planning some special events to raise more funds.

"I will still be accepting donations for this years benefit until January. I have the money I raised in a special account in the bank gathering interest. I will present it to the Eagle Cancer Telethon in Rochester in January. People ask me if I am bitter as I have gone through four major surgeries and had cancer. I have no bitterness, I am glad to be alive," said Coughlin.

Anyone wishing to donate the Cancer Benefit send your donations to: Eunice Coughlin, Cancer Benefit, 330 4th St. SE, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917.