TAMMY COAKLEY/FOR THE EXPRESS Pictured, front row from left, are Mike and Donna McGinniss, Ben and Dena Falls, Lyndia Falls and Ashton Falls. Back row, Lori Losch, Meisha Yoder, Dylan Falls, Kaden Falls, Kelly Falls, Sharon Perryman, Barb Yarrison, Austynn Falls (hugging her mother, Dena), Angel Falls, Betsy Falls, Damon Wagner and Skylar Falls.

BEECH CREEK — A basket benefit was held recently at the Friendship Community Center in Beech Creek to support Dena Falls in her battle against breast cancer.

The benefit was organized by Dena’s sister-in-law, Angel Falls, who was assisted by numerous family members who set up the baskets, sold raffle and 50/50 tickets, worked in the kitchen and ran the bake sale during the event.

Family, friends and others in the community were instrumental in supplying the various gift baskets, gift cards and raffle prizes that were given away during the event. Some 173 different baskets and prizes were donated to the benefit to raise funds for Dena, and all day long many family members, friends, coworkers and community members flocked to the Friendship Community Center to show their love and encouragement to Dena as she fights her second battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Dena drew the winning ticket of the 50/50 raffle and found that the ticket had the word Donation written on it, which meant the anonymous winner was giving their half ($585.50). A total of $1,171 was raised from the sale of the 50/50 tickets. The winner of the money tree valued at $200 was Gretchen (Lucas) Zeller. The winner of the tool set was Jesse Hockenberry and Courtney Weaver took home the prize package called A Day for the Family. Ben Falls won “the Long Winter’s Night” basket that was filled with alcohol products. His friends volunteered to help him drink responsibly. The Gift Card Tree valued at $300 was won by Dena’s stepfather, Mike McGinniss, who donated it to Dena. It was filled with lots of gift cards to local restaurants, pizza shops, fast food places and gas stations.