Second fundraiser for Super Mikey scheduled

The second annual Super Mikey Auction Fundraiser for leukemia patient Mikey Welch is set to take place Friday, March 27 at the Mountain Falls Clubhouse.

The fundraiser will feature a dinner, an auction and several raffles to benefit Welch, a local 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

Last year’s benefit, which had a turnout of around 80 people, raised over $7,000 at the event held at the Maverick Saloon. This year event organizer Candi Mitchell hopes to eclipse that mark.

“I would hope for us to be able to raise $10,000 from this event,” Mitchell said. “Of course, it doesn’t really matter, I am grateful and appreciative of every penny we get. It all makes a huge difference.”

The outpouring of help from the Pahrump Valley surprised Mitchell as she is truly pleased with the results thus far.

“It’s been such an honor and a privilege to see the community come together like they have,” Mitchell said. “I never expected it. I can’t believe how many caring people have made such a difference in his life.”

Mikey’s mother, Ashley Welch, echoed those statements and is impressed with the helping hand the community has lent.

“It’s been amazing. It helps a ton,” Welch said of the support. “It helps way more than people realize. There’s tons of bills on top of driving to Vegas and little things people don’t think about.

“I only work a couple of hours a week because I can’t leave him with a babysitter, so it’s helped a ton. I’ve never asked help from anyone, but people are doing these fundraisers on their own and stepping up and helping us.”

Mikey, who was unable to attend the event last year due to health issues, could surprise those in attendance this year if doctors approve of the appearance. That will depend on his health, as Mikey has seen his share of ups and downs through the first portion of the year.

“He was really, really ill through January and the first part of February actually, he was even hospitalized for about a week,” Welch said. “He had a really rough start to the year, but they figured out what was going on and they were able to give him medication and immune therapy. He’s actually doing really well now.”

Last year’s event featured a spaghetti dinner, but this year there are plans to switch the menu up. Although the menu isn’t finalized yet, the hope is to have a home-style dinner, featuring either comfort food or Italian fare.

The community outreach is the most important aspect of this event and Mitchell is touched by all who make it a reality.

“This little boy is being carried by the community, and it’s very emotional to me to watch it happen,” she said.

Tickets to the fundraiser cost $25 and are tax deductible and can be purchased by contacting Candi Mitchell at 775-910-9010 or on the day of the event at the Mountain Falls Clubhouse at 5001 Clubhouse Drive.