Benefit set for Chavez family

PALMER — A benefit dinner and auction is planned at 3 p.m., April 10 at the Palmer Train Depot, 610 South Valley Way, to help Dennis and Maria Chavez with their medical expenses.

The fund-raiser includes live music, Mexican food, a silent auction and more.

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reported on Dennis Chavez’ need for a double lung transplant Nov. 12, 2010, and again Dec. 14, 2010, after the family received word that doctors had diagnosed Maria Chavez with stage-four lung cancer that has metastasized to her brain and spine.

Fund-raiser tickets for adults are $10 and $5 for children 5 years and older. Tickets are available in advance by calling Sparrow Ferreira at 864-0767. And remaining tickets will be available at the event.

To help the family get an accurate head count to use in preparing the food for the fund-raiser, people are asked to RSVP to sparrowferreira@gmail.com with a head count for the number of people attending in their party.

A benefit account also has been set up in Dennis Chavez’ name at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, 1020 South Bailey Street, Palmer, AK 99645. The account number is 128642.

Or, donations may be mailed to Dennis Chavez Benefit, 1360 E. Woodcrest Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Items also are still needed for the silent auction. To donate goods or services to the silent auction, email sparrowferreira@gmail.com, or call 864-0767.