Benefit for Parke Fund raises $8,000

The "Troy Boy" sandwich benefit held Aug. 15 at the Cottonwood Community Center was a great success, organizers said.

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with all the fixings sold for $10 each and raised approximatedly $8,000 for the Troy Parke Fund. The sandwiches were served by Sandi Cappello of Cottonwood and her crew from Sandi's Specialties and Catering.

Parke was diagnosed in February with Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone cancer. He is currently going through extensive chemotherapy and will have a bone marrow transplant in approximately two to three weeks.

Other fundraisers are also in the works.

The Cottonwood Lions Club will hold a benefit pancake breakfast on Sept. 13 with all proceeds going to the Troy Parke Fund.

Cottonwood Barber Shop on Main Street will also be holding a fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 14, from 8 a.m.-noon in which all proceeds from hair cuts on that day will go into the fund.

Donations can also be made at the Redding Bank of Commerce.

Before discovering that he had cancer, Troy worked full time setting up computers and computer systems for large companies. He is now only able to work part-time from home.

Any money raised from the benefits will help the Parke family pay household bills until he is able to work again.