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Friends holding VanNess benefit

Friends of Mitch VanNess will sponsor a benefit on Saturday, Oct. 3, in an attempt to make life easier for the Huntington teen.

VanNess, a 16-year-old junior at Huntington North High School, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare type of cancer, in 2006.

Friends Destiny Boggs and Shannon Huston are coordinating the benefit, which will begin with a motorcycle ride. Sign-in for the ride is at 1 a.m. in the Huntington North Parking lot, and the first bike will leave at noon. The ride will last for two to three hours, Boggs said, and follow a route throughout Huntington County to end at the Huntington Armory. A 50/50 drawing will be held during the ride.

Following the ride, food and music will be available at the Armory. This event is open to both bikers as well as those who did not participate in the ride. A separate admission will be charged at the door.

The Armory event starts at 3 p.m. and will include music by the local band Third Rock, karaoke and food. Door prizes will be awarded.

Boggs says she's raising funds to help VanNess and his family expand their home.

VanNess and four siblings live in an 1,100-square-foot home in Huntington with their parents, Rochelle and Chuck Griffey, Boggs says.

"We're trying to raise enough for an addition," she says.
Tickets for the benefit will be available in the Huntington North High School commons during lunch on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 2. Tickets are also available at the door.