Ian’s fund nears $100,000 goal

POULSBO — With each day, the fundraising thermometer for Ian Gunnell is rising. And with a large total from a benefit concert Dec. 7, the total is less than $15,000 from the $100,000 goal.

“Ian’s Carol: An Interfaith Jubilee of Hope & Voices” at Gateway Fellowship in Poulsbo, raised $25,116. That money came from sponsors, tree and wreath auctions, ticket sales and dessert donations. The event featured a performance by a cappela jazz group Groove for Thought.

The benefit concert put the total raised at $86,347.

Fundraising continues today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a gift-wrapping station at the Kitsap Mall, 10315 Silverdale Way NW, outside JCPenney. Ian’s elves will wrap gifts for suggested donations.

Also today, the North Kitsap High School girls basketball games will be dedicated to Ian. The junior varsity game begins at 5:15 p.m., varsity starts at 7 p.m. The games are in the NKHS Gymnasium, 1780 NE Hostmark St., Poulsbo. Door donations will be accepted, with additional money being raised in a half-time free throw challenge.

On Dec. 21, a benefit dance will be held after the North Kitsap boys basketball game against Kingston. The games begin with junior varsity at 5:15 p.m., Varsity at 7 p.m.

Ian, 6, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia on his first day of school at Vinland Elementary in September.

Ian’s father, Chris Gunnell, came up with Positive Fight Mode, a slogan that is motivating Ian’s circle of supporters in the hospital and in Kitsap County.

 

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