Fundraiser for Czarnezki family is set for Sunday

PALMER — The Valley is once again rallying around neighbors contending with medical bills beyond their means.

The fundraiser is planned Sunday for the benefit of longtime business owners and community members Rob and Margaret Czarnezki of Palmer, owners of Czar of Guitars in Palmer.

Due to Rob’s inoperable brain tumor, the family has been forced to close the business, effective March 31.

Organizers Emily Barry, Julie Hopkins and Betty Pierce say the smoke-free event is planned at the Four Corners Lounge from 3 to 7 p.m., March 30.

Owner of B Bella Salon in Palmer, Pierce said that unlike other fundraisers that are often by donation, there is a cover charge for this event, which includes more than five hours of live music.

She said three local musicians — Emily Barr, Shane Laboucane and Brooke Faulk — will perform from 3:30 to 6:15 p.m. when Valley country boy Ken Peltier will take over the stage until 7:15 p.m. Against the Grain out of Big Lake performs 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. An open mic is planned at the end of the evening to offer the opportunity to perform to other musicians in attendance, Pierce said.

Cover is $10 per adult, $5 per child and $20 per family. All proceeds benefit the Czarnezki family.

Pierce said although the event is planned at a tavern, it will be smoke-free and includes face painting, food vendors, a silent auction and children’s activities.

“We’re trying to make it family oriented,” she said.

Pierce said the fundraiser is really turning into quite a community effort.

Silent auction items include a $1,200 accordion, two ukuleles, a mandolin, a Fender guitar, a six-person art workshop and autographed photos of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.

People who would like to donate to the fundraiser can deliver silent auction or cash donations to the B Bella Salon in the Koslosky Building in Palmer.

For more information, contact 746-9007.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268

or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.