THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601260217
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
The People for Mary W. Wells, a citizen group to help her cover expenses of a recent bone marrow transplant, will hold a benefit dinner Friday, March 8, at Smithfield High School.
Wells, a retired Extension agent, served Isle of Wight County as a home economist for 34 years. She is also a former correspondent for The Sun.
``She has touched the lives of many people in Isle of Wight County and now needs a touch of love from the people,'' said Evelyn Chandler, one of fundraising leaders.
Wells has been hospitalized at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond since Dec. 18. She underwent the transplant on Dec. 27. The cost of the procedure is likely to be $85,000 to 100,000.
The People for Mary Wells want to help pay for the operation, Chandler said. The benefit banquet will be ``an elegant evening with superb entertainment,'' she said.
The group is mailing letters requesting support from the business community.
``We hope that all will open their hearts and support this humanitarian effort for one of our own people,'' she said.
Anyone wishing to support the effort may contact Chandler at 238-2842. To obtain information about participating, call Chandler or address correspondence to her at 9 St. Catherine Drive, Carrollton, Va. 23314-3105.
Individual tickets for the dinner are $25. by CNB