Paul Duren Fundraiser

Abundant thanks to everyone who came out to help Paul & Melissa Duren and family last night. What an incredibly caring community, which helped raise $6,640 for this terrific family. Thanks also to Florida’s Blood Centers, and those who made a donation of blood that will help save three lives. We are grateful to everyone, and will let you know soon what’s coming next!

As a member of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office for many years, Paul and Melissa Duren helped make St. Lucie County a safe and friendly place to live and raise a family. Now it’s Paul and Melissa who need our help to do the same for them. Last year, Paul Duren was diagnosed with Stage Four Melanoma, and the prognosis was not very hopeful. Having been laid off from his job at Piper, the family was left without income or insurance since April 2010. Melissa, who has suffered through several painful back surgeries, is unable to work. With three children ranging in age from 12 to 17, you can imagine how difficult it’s been for the Duren family. The Van Duzer Foundation is wondering if you’d like to help us help a local family in need.

Wednesday, February 16th, the Van Duzer Foundation will be hosting an evening of celebration and pizza. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of all sales from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. will benefit the Duren family. That means every slice, every beer, every soda, and even the salaries of everyone working that evening will be donated back to Paul and Melissa Duren and their three children. There will be music, activities for the whole family, bounce houses, raffle items, the Avenue D Boys’ Choir, and a 50/50 drawing to help raise additional funds to help with the many expenses overwhelming this local family in need. Florida’s Blood Centers will also be on hand to collect donations of blood in honor of Paul Duren, who has received several lifesaving pints of blood during his battle with melanoma.