Fundraiser hampered by weather

A recent fundraiser for a Canton boy with numerous medical issues was hindered by inclement weather but still managed to net about $400.

This past weekend, a benefit dinner was held for Denver Osden at PSAMs in Torrington. Denver is a 5-year-old boy who needs heart and brain surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital.  The benefit dinner was organized by his mother Melissa Kelly Osden and his grandmother Donna Carney.

“The night didn’t go as well as planned mainly because of the weather that caused Route 202 to be shut down which made it harder for people to get to PSAMS, so not as many people showed up,” Carney said.

The dinner was to raise funds for Denver’s surgeries and to provide families a good night out.

“Thanks to all the people who cared enough to be there and shared their time with Denver, it made him feel like his life counts,” Carney said. “And those who cared enough to send a donation towards Denver's medical expenses we are so grateful.”

Approximately 100 people attended, and there were 80 raffle prizes given out, Carney said.

“Anyone who came got a prize, which was nice, and we gave the kids wind chimes, and small goodie bags as a thank-you gift,” she said.

“Denver was at the dinner at the start,” Carney said. “It was really hard to get him there because he was sweating so much, the steroids he takes makes his body temperature irregular and it’s hard to regulate it and keep him from getting sick. It’s a shame because he wanted to be there longer.”  

Carney has been worried about Denver ever since his medical condition has gotten worse; he was diagnosed with Tracheomalacia Disease, RSV Disease, Immunoglobulin Deficiency, and Asthma.

“We held the benefit dinner for Denver, and the most we can do is make ends meet, so anyone who donated was a great help, as it is all going to Denver and his surgery,” Carney said.

“I wish for the day when Denver can go out and run and play like other kids and can be outside in all seasons and play at recess instead of watching from the window,” she added. “He wants just to be a kid again, and all I want for him.”

People are still encouraged to send donations, and they make out checks to Denver Osden, sent to the Collinsville Savings Society to the address, 277 Albany Turnpike, PO Box 350, Canton, CT 06019.

Donna Carney wanted to thank the following businesses for their support and kindness:

Canton Businesses:  Canton Valley Dental, Body Part's LLC, Saybrook Fish house, Cape Cod Fence, Miners LLC, Premier Energy Company, Head First, Canton Napa, Collinsville  Savings Bank,  Avenia Paving LLC, Harmon Travel, Collinsville Canoe, Vanity Hair, Laurel manager of Dunkin Donuts, Canton Midas, Canton Mobil, Ben & Jerry's, Dish & Dash, Reno's Drive Inn, Village Sweet House, Blumen Laden, Union Bank, Rice Fields, Soccer Beyond, Shear Bliss, Aroma, Trading Post, Jump Zone, Fatty's, La Trattoria, Canton Village Sunoco, Flatbread, Doreen Styles, Riverside Nursery, Village Cafe, Scotties Package store, Village Cafe, Valley Energy, Center Package Store, Feng, Green Tangerine, Diane at Hair Crafters, Aloha Tanning, The Junk Shop, The Blue House, Canton McDonalds, and Bank of America, Vincent Funeral Home.

Torrington Businesses: Jakes Wayback Burgers, Scarpelli's, Sal Perugini's Hobby and Trophy World, The Flower Girl, George's Rest, Nicky G's Wine & Spirit Shops, Sports Palace, Pizzeria Marzario, Applebee’s, Carbone’s Market, Sports Palace, Carl's True Value, Bachi's Grill, Nutmeg Grill, Platinum Car Waxing, Ninety Nine, Libby Furniture, Anthony's Restaurant, The Cork Fine wines & Spirits, People's Bank, Candy Bouquet, Christy's, Wal-Mart, Moscarillo's Garden Shop, Portobello's, Nautilus Plus Fitness and Scents & Sensibility, Jimmy’s Market, Price Chopper of Torrington, Stop &Shop, The Woman of the Sons of Italy, Cakes Unlimited.

Avon Businesses: The Meat House, Chili’s, Avon Big Y.

 New Hartford Businesses: Fusion Zone, Ledge Brook Spirit Shop, Log House, Marandino Spirits, Portobello's.