Community unites for 14th annual fish fry fundraiser to support cancer fighters

A fundraiser will be held March 28 to support area residents battling cancer.

Proceeds will benefit the Larry & Kathy Jones Family H.O.P.E. Campaign and 18 FORE Life, Lora Jones Galati shared in a press release.

Jones Galati is the daughter of Larry and Kathy Jones, both of whom were lost to cancer. The event will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Bloomfield. There will be live music from Maggie Thorn and Jordan Copeland.

“With your help, the H.O.P.E. Campaign has raised over $180,000 to date,” Jones Galati said. “Since 2000, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $3.9 million in love offerings all over Southeast Missouri and beyond, but there’s ‘more work to do.’

“Our family knows personally the gifts received with each $1,000 love offering that is given, and we’re honored to work with you so that together we can bless others with gifts of hope, love and encouragement.”

H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 Fore Life.

It was started by the children of Larry and Kathy Jones, following the loss of their father.

Larry Jones was diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 2010 and passed away four and a half months later.

The inspiration for the annual fundraising event hit Jones Galati and her siblings at the hospital as they talked about their father’s willingness to help others and how they wanted to give back.

The first fish fry was held in 2012, a year after losing their father.

Another blow came in 2012, when Jones Galati’s sister, Sara, unexpectedly passed away in her sleep.

Kathy Jones had battled breast cancer in 1998 and learned shortly after her husband’s passing that it had returned. She lost her battle Aug. 28, 2016.

This year will mark the 14th annual fish fry fundraiser.

“(It’s held) in memory of our parents, Larry and Kathy, and our sister, Sara, as well as for all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend. This is our small way of giving back,” Jones Galati said.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from Jones family members or online at larrybjoneshopecampaign.square.site.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under. T-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase. Orders need to be purchased by March 8 for delivery by March 28.

For more information, email larrybjoneshopecampaign@yahoo.com.