Fundraiser to Support Burgessville Mother Amid Cancer Battle

Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 05:53

The community is rallying together in support of a local mother of two from Burgessville.

WOODSTOCK - An upcoming fundraiser looks to support a local mother in her cancer battle.

Emma Bennett is 41-years-old and she is a mother of two living in Burgessville. She was diagnosed with colon cancer about a year ago, and was told she was cancer free during the winter months.

However, Chad Yates, a high school friend hers who works with her brother, says she received bad news in the early spring.

"She ended up having to go back to the hospital and had another surgery where they unfortunately told her that the cancer had spread to her throat and other organs in her body and there's no operable repair."

Bennett's loved ones will be hosting a fundraiser for her at the Oxford Auditorium in Woodstock next Saturday complete with live music, stag and doe style games, a silent auction, and a cash bar. There will also be a cornhole tournament that will cost $20 a team to register, and the winning team will split the pot with Bennett.

Tickets for the event $25 at the door and all of the proceeds will help Bennett's family as they navigate this tough time. Yates says they're looking to buy a new home in Sweaburg to be closer to family.

He's encouraging everyone to help the cause.

"You feel the best about yourself when you give to somebody else. Whether it's paying for someone's meal mysteriously at a restaurant or making a donation to help people, I think this is a great opportunity for everybody to give a little and not only feel good about themselves by doing it, but also by helping out a family in need."

Yates adds they're still looking for large items to auction off during the event. Some of the items they have so far include a new furnace with install, a fireplace, and $5,000 for a new driveway. All of the large auction items will be advertised on the Peters Paving Inc Facebook page, and those looking to donate something can message that page for more details.