Chris Coen Poker Tournament/Silent
Auction Event Generates a HUGE Response!
(click for event photos)

The first of several fundraisers held to support Chris during his battle with cancer was a success beyond anyone’s imagination. More than 100 people jammed Rooster Café in Cumming on Sunday to show their support – both financially and emotionally – for Chris and his family.

Chris was “overwhelmed” by the event. He stopped by for nearly two hours during the event to say hello and play some poker. Well, he would have played poker, but it took him nearly 30 minutes to get past the crowd of well-wishers at the front door. By the time he made it the poker room, he had only time to say hello as they moved into the second round of play. Chris had this to say about the day:

"It was the best day I have had since being diagnosed with cancer 3 months ago. Thanks to everyone who came to Rooster's on Sunday to support me. I can't tell you how much it meant to me and my family plus to everyone who put together the event. It was definitely a George Bailey moment from It's a Wonderful Life. I feel like the richest man in town due to all of the extraordinary and caring friends I have. Friends let you know that you are not alone on the road of life."

For those of you who could not make it, you were missed – mostly because the crowd that was there had so much fun they wanted to share it with everyone.

Chris’s friends and family contributed over $10,000 toward his financial aid. The money will be used to help cover the costs of running his household while he’s dealing with the chemo treatments that make it nearly impossible for him to work.

But we are not done yet! We have more ideas in the pipeline – as we know that $10,000 will only last a couple months, and Chris is only half way done with his treatments at this point. So if you’d like to be involved in the next successful event, please contact us anytime! Email: carnahan1@comcast.net

We would also like to recognize and send out a great big thank you to Mike Parker and Kenny Westbrook at Roosters for giving up their restaurant for us. Their staff was great and the atmosphere couldn’t have been more fun! This was a total team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous efforts of the many volunteers who helped us. And thanks to everyone who donated items for the auction and raffle – these two events generated nearly half the money that was raised.

It was a special night that will forever be remembered by those who participated in it. Click here to see the photo gallery from the Rooster’s event.

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