Benefit being held for Palatine cancer victim

JoAnne Ripp is used to helping others, be it through two decades of ministry volunteer work at Willow Creek Community Church or pitching in while her two children attended her alma mater, Palatine High School.

Now the longtime Palatine resident is turning to others for support in her time of need.

Ripp was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and is unable to work at her commission-based sales position while recovering from a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Rallying around her are friends and family who've organized a fundraiser at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at Durty Nellie's - one of her all-time favorite Palatine establishments.

A silent auction and raffle will get underway at 4 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., the Andrew Ripp Band, fronted by JoAnne Ripp's son, will perform a set.

Durty Nellie's is located at 180 N. Smith St. in Palatine.

Organizers are asking for a minimum $10 donation at the door, with proceeds helping to cover her ample medical bills. A donation will also be made to The Cancer Institute at Alexian Brothers Hospital Network in Elk Grove Village.

For those who can't attend, checks can be made to: JoAnne Ripp Medical Fund, c/o Marilyn Jamal, 760 E. Balsam Lane, Palatine, IL, 60074.