December 26, 2001
Sale raises money, spirits
Big bake sale benefits WSH student Lindsey Nicholls
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
These days, Lindsey Nicholls is nurtured by her friends, indeed.
And family. And complete strangers.
In fact, you could say that her battle with cancer is supported by the community at large, as hundreds of people came by to participate in a "Big, Big Bake Sale" held Saturday at the Bill Marsh Auto Mall.
Surrounded by her friends, who streamed in throughout the day, some helping for the duration, Nicholls was heartened by the outpouring of warmth and caring.
"It is good to have friends to talk to and be supportive," she said. "I am surprised by the amount of support."
Whether bringing donations of items to sell or buying some sweet confections - or both - friends, family and strangers alike came together to support Nicholls and her family. The money raised, including $5 from every oil change the dealership did that day, will help the family defray medical expenses not covered by insurance.
"I'm surprised by the turnout, it has been very heartwarming to see how the community has reacted," said Kay Nicholls of Acme, Lindsey's aunt. "Lindsey is very shy but she has a lot of good friends."
April Nink is one of Lindsey Nicholls' closest friends. Nink said that watching her friend struggle these past months, missing one out of every two or three weeks of school this year due to treatment, it was nice to be able to do something concrete to help out.
"Doing this gives us a little power over what is happening," said Nink, a senior at West High School who took on getting students at the school to participate. "The TC West Student Senate made cookies and brought in tons of stuff for us; the whole school was involved."
Until her illness, Nicholls worked at TJ Maxx in the Grand Traverse Mall and co-workers have been helping out since she went on medical leave.
"I just wanted to be here to do anything to help her cause, anything to help her get better," noted Michele DiMondo, also West High School senior. "I update everyone at work about Lindsey and everyone at work donated money and bought her Christmas gifts."
After complaining of back pain, Nicholls was diagnosed last June with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that strikes mostly children and young people. From that point her life changed dramatically. Now immersed in chemo treatments and beginning radiation next month, she is deeply committed to healing and forging ahead with college plans. She plans to attend Ferris State University this fall to study nuclear medical technology.
"Lindsey is very strong and her conviction is to get well," said Kay Nicholls. "She's become aware and compassionate of people who are sick, she has firsthand knowledge."
Holding the "Big, Big Bake Sale" at a large, public facility like the Bill Marsh Auto Mall was a huge boon. Bill Marsh attends the same church as Kay Nicholls and upon learning of Lindsey's illness, immediately offered to host an event.
In one week, volunteers quickly got the word out around town and students, friends and strangers began baking. From students and parents in the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools to residents of Elk Rapids church groups around town, the donations kept coming.
By Friday night, volunteers had loaded 15 folding tables with donated cookies, pies, cupcakes and candy. Donated crafts were interspersed among the treats.
Even before the sale's official opening at 10 a.m., people began streaming in to buy something or drop off even more to sell.
An attitude of generosity pervaded the sale: one man bought $100 worth and asked that someone take it over to the Goodwill Inn, while countless other purchasers donated cash above the sales price.
"This is an amazing community, it doesn't matter what we put out," said Mike Kent, marketing director at Bill Marsh Auto Group. "Time and again people will give of their time and money. They take care of their own."