Epke Family Overwhelmed By Community Support, Benefit

Hundreds of people funneled through the Antelope County Ag Society building Sunday to support a Neligh-Oakdale graduate who is battling cancer.

Brie Epke, a 1998 graduate of Neligh-Oakdale, has been through a stroke and breast cancer. The benefit for her, husband Brian, and sons Brody and Brock, will help with continued medical expenses. 

Brie is the daughter of Tom and Mary Schrader of Neligh. 

"The amount of people here today has been overwhelming," Epke said. "This is what it means to be from a small community. This is therapy for me. Them being here is helping me."

Epke said even looking at the number of items donated for the silent auction was amazing. Dozens of items lined two sides of the building. There was also several items being raffled and a live auction following the French toast breakfast.

A raffle continues for Epkes through the Fourth of July for a "Golden State Getaway." This includes airfare to San Francisco, hotel rooms, two floor seats to watch the Warrior basketball team and much more. Tickets are $20 each or three for $50.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Steph Wanek at 913-909-4697 or at Wanek Pharmacy and the Antelope County News.