Community Corner

Cancer Fundraiser Benefits Chelsea Community Hospital's Infusion Center

Dexter resident Gary Klapperich has raised $30K in three years.

Dexter resident Gary Klapperich is celebrating life in a big way. Klapperich, along with several Dexter area families, held the third annual “It’s a Great Day to be Alive” two-day cancer benefit for Chelsea Community Hospital this weekend.

The event, which was held at the Ann Arbor Eagles Hall on Jackson Road, featured live music by , food, raffles and a rummage sale.

“It’s like a big party where I get to see a lot of my friends,” Klapperich said.

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Klapperich, owner of Klapperich Welding, said the idea for the fundraiser began in 2008 after he was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 58.

“I had to go through radiation and chemotherapy for three months, and the only place that did that at that time was St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saline. Both my surgeries (to remove a tumor) were done in Chelsea. When I learned that (Chelsea) was going to develop a new cancer infusion center, I decided it was a good time to help out,” he said.

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Since then, Klapperich has rallied his friends and co-workers and has raised close to $30,000 for the hospital.

“We’re growing the event every year,” Klapperich said. “I’d like to raise as much money as I can to help out others who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

Dexter resident and retired teacher Paul Cousins said he’s known Klapperich since the 1960s and has attended the cancer fundraiser every year.

“I’m pleased that he is able to put this together,” Cousins said. ”It’s nice to see some of my old students and friends here.”

Todd Viebahn of Stockbridge was on hand at the fundraiser, cooking hamburgers to help raise money for the event.

“Gary does some welding work for the Dexter Department of Public Works, and he’s a great guy,” Viebahn said. “He asked the Eagles if we’d help out, and we were more than willing to volunteer some time for such a worthy cause.”

Klapperich said he's impressed with the success of the fundraiser.

"It's an indescribable feeling when you see your friends and neighbors come out and support what we're trying to do here," he said.

While the exact amount of money raised over the weekend is still unknown, Klapperich said he estimates donations garnered another $10,000 for the hospital.


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