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Benefit set for 9/11 firefighter cancer patient

By Staff | May 22, 2015

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

A weekend event will benefit a former EMS paramedic who was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Fundraiser for Ken Davis will take place Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Dixie Roadhouse. Free and open to the public, it will feature four live bands, silent and live auctions, and a 50/50 drawing.

Bonnie Walker, the event organizer, explained that Davis was working for the New York City Fire Department when 9/11 happened. He was in the second of the Twin Towers when it collapsed.

“He was buried in the rubble,” she said, noting that he was rescued but lost two coworkers with him.

In the last year, Davis was diagnosed with stage III follicular lymphoma as a direct result of his involvement in Sept. 11. He is undergoing chemotherapy, has daily injections and has had surgery.

“We’re helping him out with his medical expenses and him going through chemo,” Walker said.

A single father of two girls, Davis has devoted his time to helping others, like the Epilepsy Warriors Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida and Susan G. Komen.

The lineup for Sunday’s fundraiser includes the Cape Coral rock ‘n roll band Moon Child, Bite the Bullet and 10,000 Views – Southwest Florida rock groups – and Cape country band Grayson Rogers.

“It’s also going to be broadcast live on the Internet,” she said, adding that people unable to attend can still show their support online. “We’re going to tie it in with the GoFundMe account (for Davis).”

During the event, tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win a 50/50 drawing.

There will also be a live auction and a silent auction held. The live auction will feature gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, themed gift baskets and an American flag Davis is donating.

“He has a U.S. flag with all of the name of the people who died in 9/11,” Walker said.

The silent auction will feature big tickets items, like stays at the South Seas Island Resort and the Westin, $250 Diamond District gift certificates, a Rob Zombie guitar, jewelry, tickets and such.

“We’re going to do the bigger items,” she said.

Attendees – and those online – can also buy $10 tickets to win a Molly Hackett guitar.

“It’s mostly one big party. It’s to show our support for him,” Walker said.

The Dixie Roadhouse is normally closed on Sundays, so organizers are hoping for a large turnout.

“We’re just all out there to have a good time and raise as much money as we can,” she said.

For more information on the fundraiser, contact Bonnie Walker at (239) 671-7077.

To donate on-line visit gofundme.com/r8wgn4C

The Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 S.E. 47th Terrace.