THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 3, 1996 TAG: 9604020149
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: LEE TOLLIVER
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
PATTY DUTKO sat quietly, almost in a daze, as a room full of strangers and celebrity waiters took care of her every need at the dinner table.
During a fund-raising event last week at Smoty's Sports Asylum, they were also trying to help take care of her true need - money to help pay for medical bills that continue to pile up from cancer treatments.
Last August, the 42-year-old Virginia Beach resident was diagnosed with breast cancer and a radical mastectomy was performed. Chemotherapy treatments began right after the surgery, but doctors have recommended a bone marrow - or blood stem - transplant to help increase her chances of recovery.
Being self-employed, Dutko has no medical insurance.
But she sure has friends. Many she didn't even know she had.
During a conversation with a few of them at Footer's Sports Pub, Erin Bunn - wife of Bruce Smith Celebrity Golf Tournament organizer Gene - heard about Dutko's plight.
Bunn decided to expand on the celebrity event theme and try using professional athletes and some of the area's media to work as waiters in a fancy, sit-down dinner format.
``We'd never tried anything like this before, but we thought it would be a good way to help,'' Erin Bunn said. ``It went very well and we were very pleased with the turnout and support.''
James and Robin Holt - owner's of Smoty's - volunteered their place and several members of the staff for the event, and tossed in all the prime rib and chicken dinners as a donation.
``I'm just trying to help out a lady who needs it,'' James Holt said. ``You don't have to have a lot to help a little. And besides, this is a good time for everybody.''
Companies and other sponsors paid $350 for a table of 10 for dinner - raising $3,500 for Dutko. Buffalo Bills defensive star Bruce Smith couldn't attend the event because of family obligations, but donated an extra $1,000 to raise the total to $4,500.
A pair of Smoty's regulars who just happened on the Tuesday evening event tossed in checks of $500 and $200 to raise the total to $5,200.
``This is just amazing to me,'' Dutko said during a conversation with Bunn in between courses. ``It shows that people care and that's a good feeling.''
Pro football players Darren Perry of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars Keith Goganious served up meals, as did former standouts Ed Reynolds and Tim Pellerin. ODU coaches Jeff Capel and Tony Guzzo helped. So did local television personalities Chris Reckling and Philly Fellion.
``It's good to give something back to the community that supports you,'' said Goganious, a former Penn State and Green Run High standout. ``Helping out somebody like Patty is the least we can do.''
Dutko continued to get support from sports-related activities when Bruce Barefoot of Footer's held a raffle during his ninth anniversary celebration Sunday.
The packed house took time from munching on barbecue and watching a magician to tally up nearly $500 to add to the ever-increasing total. MEMO: Contributions on behalf of Dutko can be made to the Barbara Anne DeBoer
Foundation at any branch of Central Fidelity Bank. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LEE TOLLIVER
Erin Dunn, left, chats with Patty Dutko at a celebrity fund-raiser
to help pay for Dutko's cancer treatments. The event was at Smoty's
Sports Asylum.
by CNB