Posted: 3/27/02

Motschenbacher drive receives big boost

Fund-raising efforts to assist the Lori Motschenbacher family has received a big boost this week. Friends and family have rallied to the aid of the Motschenbacher family will gather in Forest Lake on April 13 to help raise money for the Forest Lake High School graduate who is battling cancer.

The benefit will take place from 4:30-11:30 p.m. at VFW Post 4210 in Forest Lake.

The drive has received two major funding sources.

Lutheran Brotherhood Health of the Lakes Branch said last week it will provide a $1000 matching aid grant to the cause.

The same level of financial assistance is being pledged by Aid Association for Lutherans through Our Saviorís Lutheran Church. The $1000 grant is matching money for dollars raised locally.

Last month doctors discovered that Motschenbacher, 43, was sick with a form of stomach cancer. She has gone through one round of surgery and additional chemotherapy treatment has started, according to family members.

Friends, family and former teachers at Forest Lake are pooling their time and energy to help raise funds for Lori, her husband Tom, and their two children, Kyle and Kara.

In the 1970s, the former Lori Florhaug was a star athlete at Forest Lake High School. Since earning her teaching degree, she has continued to help her hometown school by volunteering and coaching in the community.

She is a physical education teacher at Golden Lake Elementary School in the Centennial School District. The Motschenbachers live in the Cedar area west of Stacy and Wyoming.

The April 13 benefit will be an opportunity for the public to help with fund-raising efforts for the family.

The event will include music, food, door prizes and games.

Tickets at $10 per person will be available at the door. Kids can enter free with their parents.

The grand prize drawing is for a one-week stay at a cabin on Red Lake, a $1000 value.

Event planners are continuing to look for products or services that can be auctioned on April 13. Anyone wishing to donate something for the auction can call Mike Altavilla at 651-464-5458 for more information.

Donations to help the family are also being collected. They can be sent to: Lino Lakes State Bank, Lori Motschenbacher Account, 7449 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014.

Donations can also be made to the same account at the Forest Lake branch of Lino Lakes State Bank at Schilling Plaza next door to the high school.

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