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Community Corner

Easter Sunday Fundraiser a Success

Friends Sports Bar and Grill hosted a charity event on Easter Sunday for Ansley Arnette.

On Sunday, hosted an Easter Sunday benefit for 12-year-old Ansley Arnette.

Arnette has been diagnosed with a non-curable brain tumor called diffuse infiltrating astrocytoma. According to Arnette’s doctors, the tumor is so rare that only a dozen or so cases have been documented in the past 20 years. Arnette’s mother Paige said the condition is even more rare in children.

To help the Arnettes cope with mounting medical bills, Friends Sports Bar and Grill in Dacula donated all proceeds from its Easter Sunday sales to help the family.

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Friends co-owner Ray Stanjevich said the event exceeded his expectations by generating almost $17,000.

"It just goes to show you what is possible when everyone chips in and participates," he wrote in an emailed statement. "And we truly had a total community effort."

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Stanjevich credited volunteer coordinator Rhonda Rice, live auctioneer Jeff Renfroe and auction organizer Trisha Cardillo with helping to make the event a success. Stanjevich also thanked musicians Paul Noga, Jordan Rager, David Leon, Katherine Kimbro and Vince Fowler for donating their time to perform during the fundraiser. Dadz Party Rentals donated the use of inflatables that Stanjevich said were a huge hit with the children.

"Our employees volunteered their time on Easter and worked for free, along with the 50 or so volunteers.  Without them, all of this would have been impossible," Stanjevich said. "Suzanne and I were glad to be there and support the Arnette family. We hope that Ansley beats this cancer and is able to have a young life much like any other kid of her age."

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