March 18, 2024

Garage sale, barbecue to benefit ‘Team Dana’

Proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Head to Hawkeye Stages Friday and Saturday to shop for a cause and enjoy Doc’s Southern BBQ at the “Team Dana” Garage Sale and barbecue. Jeff and Jodi King are hosting the event to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of their daughter, Dana, who died from the disease in 2009.

The sale is being held at Hawkeye Stages, 300 E. 17th St. S., with doors opening at 8 a.m. both days. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. with closing time at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. A freewill donation is accepted for lunch with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the foundation.

This is the second consecutive year for the barbecue and the garage sale is making a return after a couple of years off.

“This year we’re kind of combining the two. We asked for people from the community to donate items to the garage sale and we’re combining it with the barbecue,” Jodi King said.

A variety of items will be available to purchase from Christmas and holiday decorations to a patio furniture set, exercise equipment and grills. There will be a little bit of something for everyone, along with the delicious barbecue provided by Jeff King himself.

The Kings are also raising money for the Great Strides walk May 16 at Raccoon River Park in Des Moines. The 3.2 mile walk benefits the foundation and provides an opportunity for people within the CF community to get friends and family involved in the cause. The Kings are over two-thirds of the way to their goal of $10,000 but always welcome donations of any size.

“The disease is rather rare and doesn’t qualify for any federal funding for research so all of the donations and funding come from private sources,” Jodi King said.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. There have been “great strides” in the past few years in developing new drugs and therapies for the treatment of CF and all are funded directly by the foundation.

Dana Ceretti, their daughter, was diagnosed with the disease at 4 month old and after years of fighting, the mother of one died at the age of 30. To continue honoring their daughter’s legacy, the Kings stay very involved in fundraising for the foundation, hosting the sale and co-chairing the Wine Opener fundraising event November.

To support Team Dana in their fight to find a cure, go to www.cff.org/greatstrides, click on "Find a Walker" and search for Jeff King. There, you can make a donation or continue and sign up to walk at Great Strides.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com