Help Rufus Keep His House - The Ultimate Gift

We all know Rufus T. Firefly, aka Antone Holmquist, as a vivacious, fun-loving fixture in our community. He lives for rafting, hiking, traveling, and photography, and when you see him he's not in a hurry and likes nothing better than to have a cup of coffee downtown and talk for a while (ok a LONG while). He's been the first to get GoFundMe pages up and running for several friends and has a big heart, always willing to help others. Recently, however, the tide has turned and Rufus is now the one in need. After a series of medical issues and bills, including a $17,000 dental bill that has him delaying an operation for a new knee, Rufus has learned that he has crippling arthritis in his hand that will severely limit his ability to work anymore. He was already worried that he'd lose his house in a few years because he wouldn't be able to make the mortgage payment with just his Social Security, but this latest news was a blow. He is not himself anymore as the strain of financial issues leading to the likely sale of his home, combined with his new limits on recreational activities, is taking a toll on his psyche.

Rufus is too proud to take charity but has a big 73rd birthday bash planned for June 28th at the Kenworthy Theatre. This would be the perfect time to provide him with a surprise check to help pay off his mortgage. At this time, he currently owes around $30,000 but any amount we could raise would go a long way to helping a person who has spent his whole life entertaining and helping others. We have already raised about $5,000 before moving to the GoFundMe platform so are coming here to hopefully raise the rest. Please give any amount you can (every little bit helps) and pass this site link along to anyone you know who knows Rufus. Also, show up at his birthday party (it's open to all) to see the look on his face when he receives the ultimate gift that will help him keep his house. Happy hour starts at 6:00 PM then at 7:00 he'll have a short Marx Bros movie followed by speeches. Lastly, please keep this a secret from Rufus until the party. Thank You.