By Kelsi Matylewicz/Benco Dental Social Media Intern

This past Saturday, July 18, the “Let’s Raise Spirits” fundraiser was hosted at Dooley’s Pub and Eatery in Old Forge, Pennsylvania.

This event was held in order to help raise money for the “Prescription Assistance Fund,” in association with the Medical Oncology Associates of Kingston, which “has been providing medical oncology and hematology care and services to residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1977.” All proceeds from this event benefit local cancer patients to aid them with paying for their prescriptions and medical needs.

The mission of the Medical Oncology Associates:

Provide exceptional, innovative, and compassionate hematologic and oncologic care to residents of northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond; to offer cutting-edge clinical trials locally to our patients; to support and encourage our patients and their families in navigating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery; to provide psychosocial support to our patients and their families; to foster a sense of community among cancer patients; and to provide educational opportunities and materials, and wellness programs for our patients and their families.

With this in mind, Sharon Matylewicz, organizer and leader of the event, knew she wanted to help patients and families in medical need make this process a little easier.

The “Let’s Raise Spirits” fundraiser took place in the upstairs and downstairs of Dooley’s. The event featured a Chinese raffle, free giveaways, appetizers and desserts, and live entertainment by the Streetlife Serenaders, a Billy Joel tribute band.

The Chinese raffle consisted of 20 baskets, including one from Benco Dental, the nation’s largest privately owned dental distribution company. Benco Dental generously donated an Oral-B PRO 5000 electric toothbrush, a travel mug, a T-shirt, 12 PRO-SYS toothbrushes, an Incisal Edge magazine and more!

With baskets donated from family and friends and the public’s kind donations, the fundraiser was a success, according to Matylewicz.

Over $3,000 was raised and, with that donation, families in the local community will be assisted with their medical needs.

Attendee Krista Jackson, of Effort, Pennsylvania, was the excited winner of the Benco Dental basket.

“I’ve heard about Oral-B Pro’s Bluetooth features and can’t believe I won the basket! I’m even more thrilled to help the very necessary organization and support cancer patients through this event.”