Brinn benefit unites community, raises more than $18,000

Published 5:04 pm Monday, February 4, 2019

More than $18,000 was raised for the family of Brinn Andrew Saturday at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle.

The 20-month-old was diagnosed in December of last year with neuroblastoma, a form of pediatric cancer. She is receiving treatment at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.

Central UMC hosted a poor man’s supper and silent auction with a number of items ranging from sports memorabilia and beach trips to art, quilts and more.

Included in the sports memorabilia were football jersey from R.J. Prince, the former UNC Tar Heel and current member of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. Prince attended the event along with his donated jerseys from both teams, visiting and posing for photos with fans while also volunteering at the event.

Along with Prince’s jerseys, former West Stanly standout and current New York Giants defensive lineman B.J. Hill also donated an autographed jersey.

Tables stayed full as the doors of the church’s fellowship hall opened and stayed busy the remainder of the three-hour event.

Brinn’s mother, Kellie, called the fundraiser “truly amazing,” adding she was shocked at the size and scope of the dinner and the auction.

“I walked in and was floored by the amount of things in the auction and the people that showed up that I know and I don’t know, people who have traveled from hours away to come and see different family members,” Kellie said.

“It goes to show again this community is there when the bad things happen and the good things. At the end of the day, people want to help and show love in any way they can.”

Jason, Brinn’s father, said he did not have the words to express the feelings from the benefit, saying “as awkward as it can be to in this situation, to be on this side of the fence, it’s truly amazing. It’s overwhelming.”

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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