But this one will be special to bar owner and organizer Wendy DeClark. Last year, when she co-organized the first event with breast cancer survivor Robin Krueger, she hadn’t gone through cancer herself.

But this spring she was diagnosed with a slow-growing form of lung cancer. She completed her treatments during the summer and is now cancer-free.

“It gave me a different perspective on those people going through cancer and the importance of raising money for the community,” DeClark said.

She was grateful for all the community support she received and wants to continue to support those who need it.

Audrey Brown looks over some of the raffle baskets for the Dickinson County Cancer Loan Closet benefit at Who’s Next Bar in Aurora, Wis. The benefit will start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, but people can purchase tickets for the baskets and other raffle prizes anytime before then at the bar. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News)

“I had a good support system to help me through it. Not everyone has that. I was fortunate I didn’t have to use the cancer closet, but there are many people that do need it,” she said.

She’s very thankful to the many friends and volunteers who helped her, and especially her staff.

“My staff does so much for me, they even sign up first,” DeClark said.

The event has dozens of raffle baskets. People are encouraged to come to the bar and purchase tickets for the baskets at any time before or during the benefit.

They can also purchase tickets for $25 to win two tickets to the Green Bay Packers-Carolina Panthers game at noon Sunday, Nov. 2, at Lambeau Field. A number of the donated raffle baskets also have Packers themes.

There is also a “booze wagon,” filled with different types of beer, liquor and chips, for $30 per ticket. It includes a collapsible wagon. Several other specialty baskets will be available as well, including a mystery Harley-Davidson basket worth $150.

Food will be available during the event. Anyone who would like to donate food, baskets or make a monetary donation can contact the bar at 715-589-4260.

Last year’s benefit raised more than $5,000 for the cancer closet, an amount DeClark hopes to double.

“We’re hoping for a really great turnout,” she said.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.