Cancer benefit to aid long-time Havre resident

A cancer benefit for Virginia “Gin” Larsen-Batt will be held at the Eagles Club from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, where Indian tacos will be served and visitors can bid at the silent auction.

Larsen-Batt discovered she had cancer five years ago and was in remission until her doctor discovered it had come back and is spreading quickly.

“She’s one of the nicest people you’d ever meet,” said Elaine Healy-Berger, the organizer of the event and a childhood friend of Larsen-Batt.

Larsen-Batt has been going back and forth between Great Falls and Havre to her appointments.

Healy-Berger said the money raised at the event will go to help Larsen-Batt pay her hospital bills, transportation costs and other things related to her treatment.

At the silent auction, people can bid on wreaths from Ben Franklin, Pendleton blankets, Native American beadwork, liquor baskets, quilts, art and other items.

Larsen-Batt, 61, has lived in Havre most of her life except a few years in Missoula. She used to work as a housekeeper in Havre and was interested in making up people’s hair and makeup and singing karaoke.

Healy-Berger has lived in Havre in since the ‘60s and said she has organized events like this before. When she heard of Larsen-Batt’s predicament, she decided to organize the fundraiser for her.