Grace and Ken Gauthier knew their late son Shaun was a popular young man with many friends, but they didn’t realize just how many until they attended a memorial fundraiser in his name.
The July 9 “Forever Young” barbecue and beach party at Willoughby Park behind the Langley Events Centre drew 1200 people and raised $106,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Shaun G. Foundation.
The foundation was set up to honour the memory of the 24-year-old Shaun, an avid athlete and accomplished martial artist who died last year, two weeks after he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
His parents and other family members attended the event to show support and help sell SKG and SG T-shirts and hats (His full name was Shaun Kenneth Gauthier).
“It was quite an amazing event,” mother Grace Gauthier said.
“Sean would have been proud.”
She brought a signing book with her and it was quickly filled.
Here are some of the comments:
• Shaun, you’ve inspired so many people to fight on and find a cure. — Much Love, Jazz Sandhu
• Shaun miss you pal. I remember when we were head 2 head for the DOPO Job. The right guy got it! Enjoy the show, it’s all for you Brother! — Zach Whitman
• Love Ya Bro, you helped inspire this. Thanks Chris, Jamie and a host of others making this happen. — B-Rad
• Shaun, I will always remember your warm smile and welcoming attitude. I will always look up to you and what you did Bro... — Hajiz
Shaun Gauthier was a professional event organizer who sometimes worked with his high school friends, twin brothers Chris and Jamie Ruscheinski, to organize cancer fund raisers in the memory of their mother.
Jamie Ruscheinski said the last time he saw Shaun awake in the hospital he recalls his friend saying “we are going to throw one hell of a fundraiser this year”.
The weather was good the day of the event.
There was live music, DJs and dozens of top-of-the-line raffle prizes.
Everyone had a good time, Jamie Ruscheinski said.
“Shaun would have approved.”
There are tentative plans to do another fundraiser next year.
For more information about the Shaun G Foundation, visit www.vancouverfoundation.ca/ShaunG.
For more details about the Ruscheinski brothers campaign, visit http://twinscancerfundraising.com.