Bulkies and basketball: Fund-raisers fuel Lindsey Sturtevant fund

 By Cynthia Prairie

ON THE COVER: The bulkie team at Lisai’s prepares sandwiches for last Thursday’s fund-raiser for Lindsey Sturtevant and her family.

Lindsey Sturtevant will be heading to Boston for a bone marrow transplant, her second in six years.

Almost $6,000 was raised Thursday during two fund-raising events for Lindsey Sturtevant, the Chester 12-year-old who is preparing for a second bone marrow transplant after her first one — six years ago — was rejected. And more funds are coming in.

The sign at Lisai’s explains what last Thursday’s fund-raiser was dedicated to. All photos by Karen Zuppinger except for Lindsey’s portrait. CLICK photo to launch gallery.

Melinda Cyr, who helped mastermind a bulkie sandwich sale at Lisai’s Chester Market with all proceeds going to Lindsey’s family, said that by 10 a.m. on Thursday, “we had made at least 300” bulkies, more than 100 for large pre-orders.

“We went through a lot of meat and vegetables,” Cyr laughs. With six people on the line, Lisai’s continued to assemble  made-to-order bulkies until 2 p.m., when the Vermont State Police escorted Cyr and the take of about $2,200 to the home of Sue Willis, Lindsey’s mother.

Patrons line up to purchase bulkies for Lindsey at Lisai’s on Thursday.

On Thursday night, Green Mountain Union High brought in more than $3,600 during its boys varsity basketball game against Mid-Vermont Christian School, said athletic director Eric Anderson.

The gate, donations and a 50-50 raffle brought in $1,107 while the Junior Class donated its concession take of $250, Anderson said, adding that Olivia Dostal, a waitress at the Killarney in Ludlow donated tips of $700, which was matched by her parents and by Killarney owner and Chester resident Mark Verespy, for a total of $2,100. Adding another $200 to the kitty was basketball coach Brian Rapanotti, who put in $1 for every person who showed up to the game.

Members of the GMUHS Junior Class donated its game night refreshment sales to Lindsey’s fund.

Lindsey attended the game to watch her 16-year-old brother, Kyle Kemp, play.  She also got the pleasure of seeing her favorite color — purple — dressing up quite a large number of those in attendance.

More than $350 has been taken in from an ongoing fund raiser held by Sarah Yake of Salon 2000. Come in to her salon, on Avon Road across from Chester Town Hall on Elm Street,  for any waxing until Friday, Feb. 14 and all proceeds will go toward Lindsey’s family.

Meanwhile, the Chester Fire Department’s continuing fund-raising for Lindsey has, as of Tuesday afternoon, brought about $1,000, said Fire Chief Matt Wilson. One gentleman, Wilson said, drove from Arlington, VT, just to put a check in his hand, while other checks have come in from as far away as Connecticut.

Funds will be used to help the family for either medical treatment or as Lindsey’s mother, Sue Willis, travels between Boston and Chester for Lindsey’s treatment.

Many in the game audience came dressed in purple to support Lindsey.

You can still help

• The Chester Fire Department has started a fund for Lindsey. You can make checks payable to Yosemite Fire Co. “Lindsey’s Fund,” P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT 05143. And you can access the department’s Facebook page, which  is located here.
• You can also find out more by accessing Lindsey’s Facebook page dedicated to her hospital stay by clicking here.