3rd Annual Jacques Dupont & Becki Mignogna Benefit report

Hello Everyone,
The 3rd Annual Silent Auction Benefit Loving Memory of Jacques Dupont and Becki Mignogna, was another successful event. Jacques lost his battle with cholangiocarcinoma on November 10, 2007 and Becki lost her battle on January 17th, both at the very young age of 56. The benefit was held on October 4th at Sizzle Bistro in Manchester, NH. Even though the weather here in New England did not cooperate, everyone had a wonderful time. The event featured music for everyone, many wonderful hot and cold appetizers, and a cash bar. There were 78 items for guests to bid on at the Silent Auction tables – a 50/50 raffle – and people purchased wine corks for a chance to win one of ten bottles of wine. Attendees were able to bid on and win some amazing auction items… many bargain were had this year. This is good because people will spread the word and next year more people will attend. We raised $7.048.for The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
It was another emotional night for Rob, myself and my children. As I walked by many groups of people , stories of my Jacques and Becki could be overheard. It is amazing how many lives they touched. Once again when I spoke, the room went silent and as I looked around I could see tears in peoples eyes – not tears of sadness – tears of pride and joy as my family and friends all know that this is my passion and I will never stop fighting the fight. I explained what was new with the foundation since last years Benefit: The foundations book “100 Questions and Answers About Biliary Cancer; the Biliary Emergency Information Card (I expressed how helpful this is to patients and caregivers – knowing how difficult it was when Jacques was rushed to an ER and they did not know what to do); The International Cholangiocarcinoma Patient Registry; the Inaugural Stakeholder’s meeting. Rob spoke about his involvement and what he has learned in his year with the foundation. The room was full of respect, compassion, love, and an understanding of why this foundation is so very important to me and many others.
Unfortunately, I was so busy throughout the entire evening that I forgot to have someone take pictures – but I already have a photographer lined up for my 4th Annual Benefit. We have also outgrown the venue we were at for the last two years. I am meeting with three other venues in the next three weeks and I hope to have the date set for November 2015 for the 4th Annual Silent Auction Benefit Loving Memory of Jacques Dupont and Becki Mignogna. I also already have some new ways of gathering more silent auction items – ways to boost attendance – I have a small group of musicians who are willing to play some soft music the first hour – the possibility (a very good possibility) of an up and coming band to play as well a major Disc Jockey Company. November marks 7 years that this cancer took the love of my life – but I promised him that I would make raising awareness to one day find a cure my mission – and I will never give up.
Barbara Dupont
Derry, New Hampshire