Scott Schmeltzer, Thanks for Listening

My friend Geri Murtaugh has cancer. It is the second time Geri has had to battle cancer in the last three years as two years ago she had to have a mastectomy because of breast cancer. This time her cancer is in her brain, spine, liver and pelvis.

Geri and her family — husband, Mike; daughters Erin, 14, and Tierney, 7 — are fighters, but we want to help them in their fight against cancer. We want to let Geri and her family know we love them, and so we will be hosting a silent and live auction on Sept. 16 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course. This auction is to raise money to help offset the costs that the family has had since this diagnosis.

We need your help in the donation of silent and live auction items.

Editor Tim Engstrom also will spearhead a putting challenge with a $10 entry fee. Bring your putters.

Anything you can do that would help us provide more funds for the family is welcomed. If you would like to help, please drop off or send your auction items to:

Geri Murtaugh Cancer Fund

C/O Scott Schmeltzer

Albert Lea Tribune

808 W. Front St.

Albert Lea, MN 56007

(Or if you need us to pick up item, please call me at 507-379-3420.)

We also set up an account for anyone wanting to donate money directly. It is:

Geri Murtaugh Cancer Fund

Farmers State Bank

1452 W. Main St.

Albert Lea, MN 56007

Thanks you so much for your generosity and help.

Albert Lea Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.