Laine Hardy to headline Robin Spence fundraiser in DeRidder
<p class="p1">American Idol contestant Laine Hardy will appear this Saturday, Aug. 25, in DeRidder as he performs as headliner for a fundraiser event to support a local woman’s battle with cancer.</p><p class="p3">Ronise Steech said her sister, Robin Spence has always been the type of person who helped others in need. At the Rosepine medical training school the two operate together, Steech said her sister was always working with the women who came to them looking for affordable ways to provide for their families while struggling with a meager budget.</p><p class="p3">“We struggled in our younger lives as a big family with hard-working parents, and Robin always used those life experiences to help others in every way that she could. She wanted everyone to succeed in life,” Steech said.</p><p class="p3">Now, the family is hoping that the community will come together to help Spence.</p><p class="p3">In September of 2017, Spence was dignosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. In August, she was admitted to MD Anderson cancer treament center in Texas. Steech said the past year has been physically and mentally exhausting, but has also put extra financial stress on her sister because of the lack of private medical insurance.</p><p class="p3">“The bills just keep coming and the costs are so high already, the family knew we had to do something to help her and we hope that the community will show their support for her. Anything at all would help,” Steech stated.</p><p class="p3">The all-day fundraising event will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds with gospel singing, a silent auction inside the grounds exhibition hall and a cornhole tournament at the fairgrounds’ outdoor pavilion. Participants may sign up for one of two rounds at the tournament, one for individuals and one for teams, both for $10 a person.</p><p class="p3">During the tournament, the Southwest Louisiana Cruise Car Show will be on display. A contest will be held for the People’s Choice of the top five cars, and participants may enter their own ride in the show for $5.</p><p class="p3">At 5 p.m., the event will heat up as up-and-coming country singer Chace Burks warms up the stage for headliner Hardy, who will take the stage at 6 p.m.</p><p class="p3">Food and drinks, including hot dogs, hamburgers and barbecue plates, will be on sale throughout the day. Price of entry into the fairgrounds will be donations only.</p><p class="p3">“We just want people to give whatever they can or feel led to give,” Steech stated.</p><p class="p4">For more information, contact Steech at 337-396-9724. For information on the cornhole tournament, contact Randy Burks at 337-802-3476.</p>