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It might be days before the annual Gavers Community Barndance in Woodstock, but the man behind it is finding it hard to contain his enthusiasm.
To Steve Gavers, the Barndance – now in its 18th year – isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s an event he never imagined reaching the level it has, an event that’s allowed him to see the good in so many people, to raise more than $7 million through the years to help fight cancer and to bring a smile to those diagnosed with the disease.
“Can you feel the energy?” Gavers said as he talked about the July 15 fundraiser, which, by the way, will have its own beer this year – the Barnraiser by Scorched Earth Brewing Company in Algonquin.
“It’s looking fabulous,” he said of the planned festivities.
Featuring three bands – Blackwater Gold with classic rock, Libido Funk Circus with party music and Hans and the Hormones, known throughout the area for their dance, pop and rock covers – a barbecue dinner and a live auction, the event will be from 5 p.m. to midnight July 15 at Emricson Park in Woodstock. It typically sells out, drawing 2,500 people.
Tickets cost $50 a person at www.gavers.org. Online ticket sales close at noon July 14. Tickets also can be bought at the American Community Bank locations in Crystal Lake, Huntley and McHenry through 5 p.m. July 13. The event is for those ages 21 and older.
A cancer survivor diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1994, Gavers started the Barndance years ago in hopes of raising awareness and at least $10,000 to help fight cancer. That first dance raised $125,000. The money all goes to cancer programs, including those at Centegra Health System, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and others.
But, to Gavers, the Barndance also is about meeting survivors and those recently diagnosed every year.
“You have someone that’s just been diagnosed and they’re going through it and it’s all the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘I wonders,’ and when you start talking to them, everything is really serious. The biggest joy is when you’re done with the conversation, you’re leaving laughing and they’re smiling,” he said.
“That’s the greatest thing. For that little instance right there, they’ve forgotten about being scared.”
Gavers credits the many volunteers, with at least 200 people already working on plans for next year’s dance, with the fundraiser’s success. Every time he checks his email, someone is offering up an item for the auction.
“I don’t even have a word for it this year,” he said of the auction featuring at least 20 items. “There’s something for everyone.”
Thank you is not enough to all those who’ve helped, he said.
“Who would have thought we’d still be talking about doing this 18 years into it, but as a person, I’m blessed just to know the people I’ve met,” he said. “Everyone has kind of helped us make the barn dance what it is today through all their ideas.
“It’s working together, and when you work together, you can achieve almost the impossible.”
Gavers Community Barn Dance
WHEN: 5 p.m. to midnight July 15
WHERE: Emricson Park, Woodstock
COST & INFO: A fundraiser for the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation with a barbecue dinner, live auction and music from Blackwater Gold, Libido Funk Circus and Hans and the Hormones. Tickets cost $50 a person at www.gavers.org. Online ticket sales close at noon July 14. Tickets also can be bought at the American Community Bank locations in Crystal Lake, Huntley and McHenry through 5 p.m. July 13. The event is for those ages 21 and older. Information: www.gavers.org.