Annual Event Honors Stars and Angels
A best friend and an uncle proved to be the inspiration for this year’s Stars and Angels winter benefit.Danielle Watts, the 2010 Angel, and Dwight Swenson, the 2010 Star, were honored by a crowd of more than 325 people at the annual June E. Nylen Cancer Center fund-raiser, held Feb. 6 at the Marina Inn.The event raised $190,000 to fund mammograms and colon screenings for underserved Siouxland residents.Each year, dozens of community nominees are considered for the top honor. “My best friend Cathy Simons was diagnosed in October 2008 with esophageal cancer,” Watts told the crowd as she accepted her award. “She fought a really courageous, amazing battle. I want to accept this award in loving memory of my amazing best friend.”Watts was nominated by her mother, who said: “At (Cathy’s) funeral, I listened to my daughter give the eulogy and thought, Cathy is an angel who now walks in heaven and Danielle is an angel who walks among us on earth.” Watts organized a benefit for Simons, stayed by her side during a weeks-long hospital stay and comforted her family as she struggled with cancer at the age of 24.This year’s star, Dwight Swenson of Soldier, Iowa, was an inspiration in his own right, fighting off four cancers. His nephew, Darren Goslar of Onawa, nominated Swenson for his courage and positive attitude. “I know your life has positively changed mine and many more. You bring numerous people more hope and understanding than you will ever know,” said Goslar, who himself struggled with testicular cancer.
In accepting his award, Swenson said he had plenty of motivation. “After going to all the specialists and finding out my options, being an avid hunter, I realized I was going to be in a fight like I have never been in before. I was going to fight this mythical creature – this dragon,” Swenson said as he brandished a long, shiny sword. “About that time I got a phone call from my 4-year-old grandson ... and I knew then that that was what I was going to fight for – to see him graduate.”The evening’s festive tone was underscored by Caribbean music and conversation among friends. More than 150 items brought lively bidding for the auctions. A signed Kirk Hinrich jersey, a lovable puppy and a weekend in Las Vegas, were among the items featured in the live auction.“This event is a key part of our fund-raising efforts, and the support we had this year was overwhelming,” said Cancer Center director Karen Van De Steeg. “To all of our sponsors and to those who attend this event, know that your support helps ensure that all those in Siouxland who need essential screenings will receive them.”Event sponsorsCrystal Angel/Star SponsorsMark and Mary Ellen NylenFIMCOLong Lines WirelessPlatinum SponsorsMike and Margie BennettWells Fargo BankGold Star SponsorsGreat Southern BankGunderson’sPyramid Technologies and Digital AvatarMary Sterk, CFP - Sterk FinancialSilver Star SponsorsAmerican WaterAvery Bros. Sign Co.Family of David Leo CarlsonCentral BankA. J. Gallagher Co. and Gallagher Benefit ServicesJaeger Corp.Ken and Barb Ackerman/K & B TransportationMain Street TheatresMercy Medical CenterMidlands Clinic, P. C.Pacific City GraphicsPathology Medical Services of Siouxland, P.C.Perry Creek CommunicationsTarini Wine/Rick and Tammy BertrandTyson Fresh Meats