Islanders raise money for student with cancer

By Hayley Day • March 29, 2017 10:54 am

On Saturday, March 25, more than 300 islanders gathered at the San Juan County Fairgrounds to raise money for Quincy Vague, the 16-year-old Friday Harbor sophomore diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

“I just felt compelled to do whatever I can in what must be the most painful situation for Hollye and her son,” said fundraiser organizer Christine Minney.

Minney, whose son plays Friday Harbor High School football with Quincy, formed a fundraising committee of about eight, after learning of the diagnosis.

Dinner raised funds for Quincy’s medical treatment and included chili donated by Whitey’s (and requested by Hungry Clam employees), clam chowder donated Ivar’s, and tomato soup made by Minney, as well as salad and breadsticks. Quincy’s siblings, as well as football teammates, served the meal.

Additional fundraisers included a silent auction, live auction, bake sale, and raffle. One cake was sold for $700, said Minney, and the raffle’s grand prize was a Seahawk’s quilt with Quincy’s football jersey number. The quilt was sewn in just a week.

“The committee would like to convey that the event was a true success,” said Minney, though the committee agreed not to publish how much money was raised.

Donations to Quincy’s medical fund can still be made at www.gofundme.com/quincys-medical-expenses and Islanders Bank in the Quincy Vague Benefit Fund.

Contributed photo/Stacey Smith A raffle’s grand prize was a Seahawk’s quilt with Quincy’s football jersey number.

Contributed photo/Stacey Smith Christine Minney’s son personalized socks to raise money at the fundraiser — one with Quincy’s name and the other with his football jersey number.