Big benefit today in Albion for Debbie Prest

Active community volunteer in fight against cancer

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There is a big benefit today in Albion for Debbie Prest, who has been a very active community member and Albion booster for many years.

Prest is battling cancer. She has helped many people put on benefits over the years.

A big group of her friends have rallied for today’s fundraiser, which includes more than 150 baskets up for raffle. The cardboard cutoff of Josh Allen will be available to bid on in a silent auction.

The benefit is from noon to 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 South Platt St.

These volunteers are wearing shirts that say,  “Debbie’s Dreamers – Believing in a cancer-free future.”

Prest runs the Red Check business in Albion. She helps organize and raise funds for Albion’s downtown flowers, the annual wine tasting event in the downtown, and many other events through the Albion Merchants Association.

“You meet Debbie once and she’s your friend,” said Teresa Gurney, one of the volunteers today. “She’s the best. I’ve never seen her in a bad mood even when bad things happen to her.”

Christine Ranallo puts some tickets in the baskets up for raffle today. Ranallo and the other volunteers put their tickets in before the doors opened at noon.

Becky Alexander, co-owner of Dubby’s, said Prest has become one her closest friends since Dubby’s Tailgate opened about four years ago. Prest loves to taste test items that the Alexander family are experimenting with.

Prest also has helped organize live music and events at Dubby’s, most recently with Bingo and painting classes.

Alexander met Prest through volunteering at Rock the Park, Albion’s summer music festival.

Alexander said Dubby’s will change its name for today to “Debbie’s” in honor of their friend.

Karen Spierdwowis, another volunteer, puts in her tickets in the basket raffle.

This group led by Tom O’Hearn and Dusty DeCarlo is cooking 550 chicken barbecues. In front from left include DeCarlo, O’Hearn and Ray Stefani. In back from left are Gary Moore, Kevin Sheehan, Mike Schuck, Phil Burgess, Gary Van Wycke and John Gurney.

The dinners are $20 each. O’Hearn and the team volunteer to cook the chickens at 5 to 6 benefits a year. He has been doing this since 1986 when he learned from Chester Preston.