Ozgood’s Grill & Bar in Kutztown hosts a Buffet Benefit & Concert to support a Fleetwood wife and mother of two and recent grandmother in her fight against cancer.
Held Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ozgood’s, the fundraiser for Christiana Ream features live music by Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Soul, a Silent Auction of items donated by local businesses and a buffet. Menu includes smoked beef brisket, chicken tortellini, roasted potatoes, vegetables, wings, chili, salad and more.
A colon cancer survivor, diagnosed three years ago, Ream recently underwent surgery to eliminate cancer in her lung. She is now undergoing chemotherapy. A prep chief at Ozgood’s, Ream tries to schedule her chemo treatments around her work schedule so she has two rest days before returning to work on Monday, explained her sister Anita Carl, of Breinigsville.
“It’s been a long road,” said Carl. “She works, she takes care of her family and still goes through the chemo… she’s just an amazing woman.”
Ream’s son, Derek, also works at Ozgood’s and often works his mother’s shift in addition to his own hours when chemo prevents her from being able to work. “It’s been a family joint effort,” said Carl.
Organizing the event include Ozgood’s co-owner Steve Hanson, Lisa Ecker and Ozgood’s staff, as well as Ream’s sister.
“I hope that we have a good turnout,” said Hanson. “Chris started missing more and more work because of chemo so I thought we should do something for her.”
Describing her as a great employee, Hanson said Ream worked for him previously at The Inn at Moselem Springs and then brought her on board when they opened Ozgood’s in Kutztown.
“Anyone who knows her knows how hard working she is,” said Hanson, noting her efforts to schedule chemo around her work schedule as “an example of what type of employee she is. She’s more concerned about putting the restaurant out. She’s always putting other people ahead of her. That’s another reason why I wanted to do this, to help her out financially. She’s a great person and deserves for people to help her out.”
Hanson hopes the community comes out to support Ream in her fight against cancer and he hopes that this event helps raise awareness about what people experience when battling cancer.
“I think it’s going to be a great success,” said Hanson.
“Steven Hanson and Lisa Ecker are the backbone of this event,” added Carl. “The local businesses are really coming together to support this cause.”
Carl wanted to recognize and thank some of the local businesses who donated items to the Silent Auction, including Bieber Tourways for donating four round tickets to NYC, Giant, Radcliffe Brothers, Bell Hardware, Joe’s Pizza, 3 Men & A Bagel, Demarco’s Italian Restaurant and so many more.
Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Soul are donating their time to perform at the event. There also will be an appearance by 69 News Sports Anchor Jim Vaughn.
Talking about her sister, Carl said, “She really is a giver. For this benefit to happen for her, she’s not used to it. She’s doing for others and now people want to do for her. She’s over elated about this and very humbled by the fact that people care enough about her to want to do this for her. I just think it’s a blessing all around.”
Carl also hopes this event raises awareness about colon cancer. She has lost quite a few friends to cancer and others battling it.
“They put brave fronts up,” she said. “I want people to be aware that it’s important to get checked. It’s important to support your cancer groups. Nobody wants to hear the word cancer.”
Carl wants this event to be an inspiration.
“You’re led by example. There’s many of a good story out there and it touched their hearts and their lives. They react to it, either in a personal matter or they get there and want to volunteer, they need to do something. It puts something on their hearts to want to help.”
To purchase tickets, call Ozgood’s at 484-641-5222. For more information about Ozgood’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar visit www.ozgoodsgrillandbar.com. The casual grill and bar restaurant has two locations, one in Kutztown and one in Robesonia.
