Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — What do Ghostbusters, good food and fundraising all have in common? All will take center stage at the fourth annual Cancer Bites fundraiser, happening Wednesday night at Brewvies in downtown Salt Lake.
Attendees will be able to socialize before sitting down to enjoy a double feature, all in the name of a good cause; raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. In honor of the upcoming holiday, event organizers picked Ghostbusters and Gremlins, two mildly scary but classically entertaining popcorn flicks. The Gremlins showing is sponsored by the Salt City Horror Festival.
Heather Farnsworth is the event’s co-founder. She said Cancer Bites was started as a sort of alternative to conventional cancer fundraiser.
“It’s a nice alternative to a 5K and you can still do something for cancer,” Farnsworth said.
In years passed, Cancer Bites has seen a good turnout and raised a chunk of change for the cancer institute. Farnsworth said she hopes this year breaks all passed records.
“My husband’s aunt died from cancer,” Farnsworth said. “His mom has had it four times. We really wanted to do something different and unique, and raise money for a good cause.”
The Ghostbusters of Salt Lake City will be on hand to make sure no paranormal apparitions crash the party. The group, made of up volunteers, works at charity events around the city.
My husband's aunt died from cancer. His mom has had it four times. We really wanted to do something different and unique, and raise money for a good cause.
–Heather Farnsworth
According to their facebook page, they take their job very seriously.
“When there's something strange in Salt Lake City, who ya gonna call?”
The fundraiser at Brewvies will also feature a raffle, where those in attendance can enter to win plane tickets, massages and tattoo services worth over $300.
“All the proceeds go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute,” Farnsworth said. “Every single dollar goes to the institute, due to the donations of generous sponsors.”
For the time being, the movie night is the only event Cancer Bites puts on, but Farnsworth said they hope to expand and grow in coming years.
“At this point, we are a one time event, but we are hoping to grow into more next year to celebrate our 5th year and we are in the process of applying to be our own non-profit, though all proceeds will continue to go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation,” Farnsworth said.
Cancer Bites will be held at Brewvies, a 21-and-older cinema bar located at 677 S. 200 West in Salt Lake City. The movies will start at 7 p.m. and doors will open around 6:30. The entrance fee is $20 per person, and all proceeds go to the cancer institute.
