From left: Colleen King and husband Keith King; Kristen King and husband Tony King; Paulette King; and Jessica and Craig Rodenberg. Photo by Cindy Starr / Mayfield Clinic.
The 2nd Annual Rick King Memorial Fundraiser Saturday night in Fairfield fulfilled its goal: it served as a heart-warming remembrance of a cherished husband, father and grandfather, and it raised $1,706 for research at the Brain Tumor Center at the UC Neuroscience Institute, one of four institutes of the UC College of Medicine and UC Health.
Rick King passed away in June at age 56 after a brave battle against glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The memorial fundraiser was held at J. Gumbo’s, in Fairfield, which is managed by Rick King’s son Tony. The event served up an all-you-can-eat buffet that included a New Orleans-style shrimp boil and an enticing table auction with baskets donated by local businesses.
Paulette King and her late husband, Rick. Photo by Tony King.
“My family and I were very pleased with the turnout and how smoothly everything went,” said Paulette King, who had been married to Rick for 36 years. “I think it helps all of us feel that we are helping, in our own little way, to fight this deadly disease. Of course, Rick’s courageous fight is our motivation and inspiration to do our little share. Maybe it will also help us through our grieving process. There isn’t a day that goes by that we do not talk about him and how very much he is missed.”
The King Team will be walking in Rick King’s memory on Oct. 28 in the Walk Ahead for a Brian Tumor Cure. The team’s co-captains are Rick’s two other adult children: son Keith and daughter Jessica Rodenberg. All are invited to join or support their team.
– Cindy Starr
