Barndance draws 2,000

WOODSTOCK – Even though Mimi Moy donned a straw cowgirl hat at Saturday’s Barndance in Woodstock, it wasn’t just a fun night for the Bull Valley resident.

The event is organized by Steve Gavers, a cancer survivor, in an effort to raise money for cancer research, and Moy is a thyroid cancer survivor, who was diagnosed about 20 years ago.

“If it wasn’t for Steve, we wouldn’t understand what cancer was all about in McHenry County,” she said. “It took Steve to bring it to Woodstock.”

Aside from the dancing, participants enjoyed live music, a buffet, raffles and an auction at the event, which is in its 10th year. The barnyard spirit was spread throughout the Emricson Park set-up, complete with hay stacks, red-and-white checkered table clothes and cowboy boot centerpieces.

Not including this year’s proceeds, Gavers has donated $2.3 million to cancer awareness, education, treatment and research through the festivities.

“It’s a celebration of trying to beat the disease,” said the Woodstock resident, who first was diagnosed with testicular cancer July 17, 1994. “It’s where everybody comes together and you see smiles instead of frowns.”

More than 2,000 people attended this year’s dance, which has grown dramatically since it started 10 years ago with a few hundred people, Gavers said.

Proceeds have benefited multiple cancer related organizations over the years, including: Rush University Medical Center, Centegra Health System, Family Health Partnership Clinic, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Wellness Place, said Denise Graff Ponstein, Gavers Community Cancer Foundation vice president.

“Our goal every year has been just to raise awareness, and then whatever the money is, is OK.,” she said. “We’ve kept it pretty casual, and we’ve kept it pretty affordable.”

As for Moy, she said her favorite part of the evening was the food, and the live Neil Diamond cover band, Denny Diamond & The Family Jewels.

“I hope it continues for another 50 years,” she said.

Gavers said as long as cancer still claims lives, he plans to continue the event.

“When someone says, ‘I think we have enough awareness,’ I say, ‘I beg to differ,’ ” he said. “So until we’ve won, I think we’ll still keep trying to do what we’re doing here today.”