Welcome to Our Art Auction

Megan's Story

This is a tough time for many in our community, and it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of so many challenges. But there is a difference you can make, right now, to one girl named Megan.

Megan Benzee is 14, has a sparkle in her eyes, an infectious smile and an incredible artistic talent.  She’s a warrior. She’s had to be. This is her story. 

Missy and Dave Benzee, the best kind of people, adopted Meg as an infant. They brought this little warrior home from Guatemala at just 5 months old to be cherished as their only God-given child. 

For Missy and Dave, there is no doubt that this child was meant to be theirs after years of incredible hardship, pain and suffering. You see, Missy battles Stage IV breast cancer, so Meg came by her warrior upbringing naturally. Missy actively fights and manages the pain and debilitating side effects from more chemo and radiation than you can imagine. In spite of her grueling fight, she helps others. Selflessly, consistently. Missy is on the Board of Directors for a community outreach organization that benefits school children and their families, and she’s a volunteer with her community’s fire company and church.

And the volunteering doesn’t stop there. Dave, having survived a devastating car accident that left him with 7 crushed vertebrae in his neck and back, is the Fire Chief and a lifelong member of the fire company too.

You can see where Meg gets her grit. As for Meg, our warrior is now fighting her own battle. 

Meg has developed Type 2 Fibro Atrophy – a systemic muscle disease. It’s an incurable genetic condition that causes her severe pain, escalating weakness, loss of muscle function, loss of cognitive processing skills, and so many more atrocities. Meg loses a little more freedom every day, the freedom to go to school, to move, to run, to play…to live life without the extreme limitations no child should face. But Meg’s a warrior, and she rises to the challenge every single day. Megan has another challenge ahead as she must soon travel to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for additional grueling diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan.

The people that love this family of warriors are organizing an online art auction, featuring original works from professional artists, as well as Meg’s own artwork, as a means to raise the money they will need for treatments, therapies, modifications to their home, travel demands and improvements for Meg’s quality of life.

And please, keep Meg in your thoughts and prayers. Even a warrior needs support. And we are grateful for yours.  If we can answer any questions, please contact us.  Thank you, from the bottom of our heart.

Sponsors

Artist and Donors

Artist /Item Donor                                                 Artist /Item Donor                                                        Artist /Item Donor 

Megan Benzee    

Abby Mertzlufft                                                                Missy Benzee                                                       Michele Conley Vogel

Abby Wolestendiek                                                          Deborah Tonsoline                                                Nick Napierala

Ally Demski                                                                      Deedee Clohessy                                                    Nina Pundt

Alyssa Gingerich                                                              Designing Dish                                                       Norm Gingerich 

Amanda Wolestendiek                                                    Diane Cambell                                                        Paige Jegierski

Ashley Dusza                                                                   Doug Pashley                                                          Pam Russell

Barbara Badgley                                                              Erica Forget                                                              Parker Cantie

Barbara Gingerich                                                            Heather Putney                                                        R. Keaton

Betsy Zeness                                                                    Hillary Waters Fayle                                                 Ray Khahn

Brighten Higgins                                                              Jackie Bakowski                                                       Renee' Jobert

Kari Achatz                                                                       Janet Gingerich                                                         Rodney Gingerich

Casey Kelly                                                                       Jenn Czechowski                                                      Sarah Mertzlufft

Catherine Walsh                                                               Jim Bodeker                                                               Stephen Besecker 

Cheryl Zelasko                                                                  Jim Cone                                                                    Sue Rednbock

Christpher Zelasko                                                            Karen Stanley                                                            Susan Lasky

Curtis Gore                                                                         Kathy Putney                                                             Teresa Stanley

Dave Haight                                                                       Kayla Zelasko                                                            Thalia Shatan

David Reed                                                                         Krista Klee                                                                  Tracy Lapp

Deb Manon                                                                        Anna Rubino                                                             Victoria Otto

Supporters                                                                          

Mark/Kym Pundt                                                           Gary Anastasi                                                               Deb Charnisky

Sue Czeck                                                                       Richard Wagner                                                         Craig/Alex Gingerich

Ken/Joanie Kumiega                                                     Jen Hand                                                                        Bobby Ganz

Robert/Janet Gingerich                                                 Dr. Mary Wolf                                                                  Freeda Dickhut

Krista Klee                                                                       Sarah Mertzlufft                                                              Val Hess         

Heather Putney                                                               Devon Dams-O'Connor                                                Dr. Mary Jo Dudek

Rose/Joe Gerardi                                                           John / Elaine Boyle                                                      Alexandra Smith

Jim / Karen Thompson                                                 Clarence / Gladys Gerhardt                                          Catherine Fuer

Eleanor Slazyk                                                                Charles / Nancy Kawczynski                                  David / Doreen West

Betty / Brian Gowanlock                                                Anthony / Alicia Roncone                                            Jesse Cramer                                                        

Nancy L. Meyers

Auction Details

All auction items will be available for pickup at the Marilla Country Store 

Items can be picked up starting October 1st and completed by October 10th - Please bring email confirmation of winning bid or receipt of purchase to align with proper auction item. 

If an item is requested to be shipped - all cost is at the winning bidders expense. (Contact Susan Pundt at jamespundt@rochester.rr.com or 716-870-3200 for special arrangements)

Marilla Country Store 

1673 Two Rod Road

Marilla, NY 14102

(716) 655-1031

(10:00am - 5:00pm)