Dear Prudence Benefit A Success

BERLIN — Earlier this month, the “Dear Prudence” benefit brought in hundreds of guests and thousands of dollars in donations, according to organizers.

“It was a full house all night long,” said organizer Jacki Johnson.

Taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, “Dear Prudence” included dinner, entertainment and auctions.

“It was a crazy busy day,” said Johnson.

Prudence Sanders, whom the event was held for, agreed with Johnson.

“It turned out awesome,” she said.

Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was only 11 years old, Sanders, now 36, recently learned that she would need both a new kidney and a pancreas.

Luckily, fiancé Mickey Downes was a match for the kidney, leaving Sanders on the waiting list for a pancreas only. However, the typical wait for a pancreas is one to six months, and even though she’s been on the list since July 26, Sanders has no idea when an organ will become available.

In order to offset the anticipated medical bills and expenses, Sanders’ friends decided to host “Dear Prudence.”

According to Johnson, the response from the community has been “overwhelming” even during the planning process, culminating in the event, which was held at the Frankford, Del. Fire Hall. One of the main highlights of the night was an auction, which featured items like Redskins tickets, bikes and a ski trip to New Hampshire.

“We had a lot of local businesses donate gift certificates and things of that nature,” said Johnson. “People were so generous.”

Besides businesses, Johnson revealed that a significant amount of donations came from private individuals.

“I was constantly overwhelmed,” she said, explaining that everything from money to custom jewelry was donated by members of the community.

Even the food, added Johnson, was donated for the event.

“Everything was donated,” she said.

According to Sanders, the only word she could use to describe the night was “perfect.” Not only did the group meet their goal of raising $10,000, but she also met with friends that she hadn’t seen for years.

“I remember seeing people I haven’t seen since high school,” agreed Johnson. “It was like a huge high school reunion.”

The group is still accepting donations to help with anticipated medical bills once a pancreas does finally become available. For donations or more information, contact Johnson at [email protected]