Search
Close this search box.

2nd Annual Phinley Phest in Crestview to raise funds for childhood cancer research

The Phinley Phest, a community celebration honoring the life of Phinley Kate, returns for its second year to raise funds for childhood cancer research. The event features games, activities, food, and a benefit concert.
Contributed

The 2nd Annual Phinley Phesta fundraiser for childhood cancer research, is set to take place on October 12, 2024, at The Eagles Nest at Blackwater.

  • The event honors the memory of Phinley Kate, a Crestview resident who battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for four years before passing away just one day before her 5th birthday.

Phinley’s mother, Jessie Huisken, initiated the first Phinley Phest last year to keep her daughter’s memory alive and support pediatric cancer research.

In its inaugural year, the Phinley Phund exceeded expectations, raising over $120,000. This sum enabled the foundation to award a grant to the University of Cincinnati for AML research at the cellular level, with the aim of identifying causes of relapse.

This year’s costume party will feature games, children’s activities, a buffet, and a bar. All proceeds from ticket and specialty event cocktail sales will go directly to the Phund, along with a percentage of vendor sales.

  • Country music artist Jessie G will headline the event with a benefit concert and meet-and-greet session. The singer reached out to Huisken after learning about Phinley’s story following the first Phinley Phest.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase through October 1 at https://fundraise.rallyfoundation.org/event/phinley-phest/e612561. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to celebrate “Phinley the way she would love, filled with food, fun and laughter.”

The event is sponsored by The Property Group 850, Eagles Nest at Blackwater, Fletcher’s Towing, Rhonda Faulk at Certainty Home Loans, and Sam Marshall Architects.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.