The fund-raiser for "Christine's Garden of Hope" was a huge success, raising $19,000 for the Ryshkus family at a very special community gathering this past Sunday at the Buffalo Launch Club.

Hundreds of Grand Islanders showed up to support the family and help with expenses incurred as Christine Ryshkus fights cancer. She currently is undergoing her third course of chemotherapy. Family, friends and even strangers have sent cards and cooked meals to help the family.

"The whole community has gotten involved in this," Gene Ryshkus told the Dispatch.

Those who attended the fund-raiser dined on beef on weck, turkey and salad. They enjoyed the sounds of three local jazz groups performing in a battle of the bands: the Grand Island Jazz Workshop, the Barroom Buzzards and Custode & Parisi.

There was a Chinese auction, with theme baskets covering long tables, all donated by Island businesses and individuals.

Christine and her husband, Gene Ryshkus are owners of the Grand Island Garden Center and Gift Shop, 2120 Alvin Road. Christine Ryshkus is a porcelain artist who teaches classes and whose work is on sale at the garden shop.

The Grand Island Rotary Club sponsored the event, and Rotarian Ted Bates was chairman. Thanks to generous community business contributions, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Ryshkus family.

If you still wish to donate, checks can be made out to Christine's Garden of Hope and sent to HSBC Band, 2300 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072.