Big ‘M’ Memorial Benefit
08/17/19 – 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Big ‘M’ Inc.
Mug-Shot Saloon
251 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla
The Mug-Shot Saloon and Big ‘M’ Inc. are excited to announce our 10th Annual Big ‘M’ Memorial Benefit, to be held on Saturday, August 17th from 12pm-10pm at the Mug-Shot Saloon, located at 251 W. Parks Hwy in Wasilla.
This inspiring annual event is an all-day fundraiser that was created in honor of Marilyn Anderson, commemorating her lifetime of commitment to helping her neighbors, friends and patrons in times of need. Marilyn, along with her husband Ted, together owned and operated the Mug-Shot Saloon in Wasilla until she lost her battle with cancer in 2009.
The first Big ‘M’ Benefit was held in August of that year, originally designed as a fundraising effort to help Ted and Marilyn (known as Big ‘M’ back in her Mat-Su Softball days), with the enormous financial burden associated with a cancer diagnosis. Sadly, Marilyn passed away on August 13th. Following her death, Ted was not only faced with mourning the loss of his beloved wife, but also the ever-mounting medical bills from her cancer treatment. The Big ‘M’ Benefit displayed a tremendous outpouring of kindness and generosity from our families, friends, patrons and community members. Humbled and inspired by the incredible support, Ted decided to hold an annual memorial benefit in Marilyn’s honor, paying forward the generosity to other families in need. Each year, we select a recipient to benefit from our fundraising efforts and raise money through a variety of activates to aid them in their fight.
The proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to Valley resident Butch Porter, a longtime local musician who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Butch is currently in Houston, Texas where he will be undergoing extended and intensive treatment program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. As insurance does not even begin to cover the exorbitant costs associated with cancer treatment, we hope to raise money to assist the Porter family in whatever way we can.
In 2018, our fundraising efforts raised over $25,000, the money of which was donated to long-time Palmer resident Joe Trost to aid in his fight against a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Acute T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. This all-day event will include a multi-prize raffle, live and silent auctions, live music on an outdoor stage and acoustic acts on our indoor stage, a vendor area, a potluck style meal, a beer and wine garden, and a dunk tank. There will also be a great kid’s area complete with a bounce house, face painting and carnival style games!
Joining forces with Valley businesses, entertainers, friends and patrons creates a powerful combination of resources, generosity and enthusiasm, which has proven to generate amazing results at previous events. We would like to invite you to be a part of the effort and join us for this amazing event!
For additional information, please contact Nikki Lee at mugshotak@gmail.com or by calling 907-376-1638.
