Donations now accepted for Taylor Richmond benefit, auction

The beneficiary for the 2014 Taylor Richmond Benefit is Jason Richter.

Richter is well known to the Saint Mary’s community as he worked at the university from 1998 to 2010 as the Student Activities director, and as such he was responsible for overseeing this benefit.

Richter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer. He had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass, hindering the flow of liquids in his spinal cord. This is a disease that is more commonly found in people around the age of 60; because of his young age, he has responded well to treatments. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as recent bone and stem cell transplants. On top of that, the Richter family lives an hour away from the hospital Jason is receiving treatment at in Iowa City.

Although now in remission, Richter is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This year’s proceeds will assist his family, which includes three young sons, with their medical expenses and travel costs.

The silent auction will be March 13-14. Donations for the auction are now being accepted. Past items have consisted of: all-expense paid trips, electronics, dinners, themed baskets, tickets to sporting or music events and gift cards.

The benefit has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Each year this event benefits continues to help someone in need who has ties to the SMU community.

Donations for the silent auction or monetary donations to help with cost of dance or supplements for the silent auction can be sent to Hannah Friedrich at Box 1090.