By Nikki Ackerman
Staff Writer

As a benefit for the Hartford/Slinger Relay for Life–an American Cancer Society fundraiser–the second annual Slinger Summer Sizzler event was held Aug. 8.
The small-but-growing, family-friendly event was set up in the parking lot of the village’s Dove Plaza and featured a car and boat show, kids games, face painting and crafts, a dee jay, and a corn roast and other refreshments.
Patty Peters, who is on the Relay for Life Planning Committee and also a cancer survivor, explained that many individuals donated their time and services to make the fundraiser happen.
“All of the volunteers running the games and serving the food are involved in Relay for Life,” she said, “and other people who support (the fight against cancer) are also helping us.”
Ross Obermeyer of Obermeyer 41 Auto Body, a body shop located between St. Lawrence and Allenton, sponsored a car show for the event, noting that he wanted to help out with the “very good cause.”
“Patty’s husband, Bruce, is one of my mechanics at the shop,” said Obermeyer referring to the family-owned business that includes his son and grandson. “We like Patty and Bruce a lot and we wanted to help them out so we put the word out for cars for the show.”
Local dee jay Ron “Rockin’ Ron” Fischer, who played lively music for the crowd, said he has been involved in Relay for Life for three years and would now be doing more for the cause as he just lost his mother to the disease.
“My mom passed away from cancer July 22 so now I will be even more dedicated to the American Cancer Society,” he said.
The Sizzler event–which was estimated to draw about 100 area residents–is not the only unique way in which the Relay participants raise money.
Peters, along with fellow Relay for Lifers Sharri Mantz and Margaret Wilber, guest bartend at De Cristo’s Pizzeria–which is owned by Frank and Tony Valenti and located in the plaza–a couple times each year to earn tip money.
“We work for free and get to keep the tips, and some people give us $20 or even $100 bills,” Mantz explained. “We make a mess and make fools of ourselves. We have so much fun.”
All funds raised will go toward the 2011 Hartford/Slinger Relay for Life–an event in which everyone is welcome to play a role, said Mantz.
“Cancer touches all of us,” she said.