Benefit will raise funds for local woman

Friends, family and fellow business owners of a local woman have banded together to put on a Feb. 26 concert and auction that aims to provide some financial relief as she recovers from a severe stroke.

Belle Mathieu, one of the owners of A Twist On Time in downtown Camas, suffered a brain stem stroke on Dec. 31.

Rachael Phelan, a stylist at The Wild Hair who is one of the benefit’s organizers, said the stroke has left Mathieu paralyzed in one leg, and with several other disabling medical conditions.

“She is under-insured and is in great need of help,” Phelan said in an e-mail. “All proceeds from this benefit will go toward her ongoing medical care.”

The concert and auction fundraiser will be held Sunday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Journey Community Church, located at Northeast Fourth Avenue and Birch Street in downtown Camas. Desserts and refreshments will be served.

A silent auction will include a variety of items and packages such as a gourmet Mexican dinner for eight donated by Ray Garza (includes setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up in the winning bidder’s home), an overnight stay and continental breakfast at the Camas Hotel, an overnight stay and breakfast at The Fairgate Inn, 5 in 1 Nostalgic Entertainment Center from Sears, Camas themed signs from Camas Antiques, art pieces from Ballard and Call, electric tea maker and olive oil and vinegar set from Navidi’s Olive Oils and Vinegars, Liberty Theatre movie passes and “Breaking Dawn” movie posters, and a “Wine and Friendship” gift basket from The Uncommon Gift, as well as salon services, massages and products from local salons and several handmade art quilts.

There will be music throughout the evening provided by vocal and instrumental artists representing a variety of genres.

The live music lineup includes Ana Rodriguez at 5:15 p.m.; Hayley Redinger at 5:30; Elsa Faith of Soul Distraction at 5:45; Peter Arvidson with Josh Myer and Rachael Phelan at 6; Russell Stafford of Crown Point at 6:30 and The BobbyLee® Experience at 7. The music will continue until 8 p.m.

In addition, Arvidson will perform a song written by Mathieu about her experience since having the stroke.

Cost will be $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or ahead of time at Camas Antiques, 305 N.E. Fourth Ave., The Uncommon Gift, 407 N.E. Fourth Ave., The Wild Hair, 418 N.E. Cedar St. and A Twist On Time, 431 N.E. Fourth Ave.

Monetary donations for Mathieu can also be made at any U.S. Bank branch to the Belle Mathieu Medical Fund account.

Mathieu owns the business, an antique and collectables store that opened in November 2010, with her mom and dad Tony and Debra Sampson. She is a 2000 Camas High School graduate.

For more information about benefit, visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/350441534976890.