BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The Women’s Auxiliary of Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club hosted a fund-raiser Feb. 7 to support the medical costs for Karolynn Bishop, a six-month-old awaiting a heart transplant due to a life-threatening heart condition.
While the final proceeds were still being calculated at the time of printing, estimated funds were around $12,500, exceeding the goal of $10,000 that was originally hoped for.
Members of the auxiliary provided volunteer services in addition to paying for the event’s food and facility. The group donated all money raised that evening to Karolynn’s family.
Activities that night included a spaghetti all-you-can-eat dinner, various raffles, and games for the families that attended.
‘We offer a lot here,? said office manager Sally Petherbridge. ‘It’s a wonderful facility.?
The evening was one of many fund-raising efforts performed by the auxiliary. The group tries to sponsor one major fund-raiser every year.
The idea to support Karolynn stemmed from one of the club’s members, Terry Ondusky, Karolynn’s uncle.
Ondusky submitted the idea to the auxiliary once they found out that Karolynn’s insurance company would not pay for the needed heart transplant at the University of Michigan’s hospital in Ann Arbor.
‘We started planning Jan. 1,? Tara Ondusky, Karolynn’s aunt, said. ‘We have a month’s worth of work here tonight.?
Karolynn was born with a heart condition called Hypo Plastic Left Heart Syndrome. The condition is usually fatal. Karolynn’s story is considered to be a miracle by her family and friends, who appreciate the outpouring of support she has received, similar to the actions of the auxiliary.
‘I feel kinda weird taking donations, but at this point, it’s desperately needed,? Thom Bishop, Karolynn’s father, said.