Community rallies for Justin Veloso

"There is so much love in this room."

That's what one event-goer said to Justin Veloso as Dennis McGregor and The Spoilers hit the stage at the Belfry last Thursday night after a live auction raised over $27,000 for the 28-year-old's cancer treatment and recovery.

Veloso, a lifetime musician and drummer who graduated from Sisters High School in 2006, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February. In March, he had surgery to remove his thyroid and some lymph nodes and is on the road to recovery with a lifetime of hormone replacement drugs in his future.

After Veloso's diagnosis the community rallied around him and planned this benefit evening for the young man.

Local business owner Jennifer McCrystal, along with Angeline Rhett, Katy Yoder, Benji Nagel, Carys Wilkens, Audrey Tehan, Maren Burck and several other volunteers planned the evening. Dinner was coordinated by volunteers and included everything from curry to gluten-free shepherd's pie and desserts.

According to volunteer Katy Yoder, the group initially wasn't sure how it was all going to get pulled together - but it did.

"From the food to the donations to the auction to everyone that showed up," she said. "It was beautiful to see people from all different generations in Sisters come out for this event."

The evening began with Justin performing with one of his drum students, 6-year-old Frankie Borla. Then Veloso played his own drum set along with keyboardist Andy Armer.

An emotional Veloso shared his gratitude and thanks for the community supporting him through this effort. He kept it short in front of the crowd and instead offered personal thank-yous to individuals throughout the night.

After Veloso performed his solo set, Jennifer McCrystal took to the stage. She shared a story of how she met the young man when he came in to work for her at The Cottonwood Café. She was taken by his kind and generous nature and happy to help when he shared his diagnosis.

"If somebody in this town has a problem or someone has a need, it's all about jumping together to help them out," said McCrystal. "I am so thankful that we have a community that will step up and support one another."

McCrystal's brother, Jeff Mornarich, a professional auctioneer, drove over from Roseburg for the evening to donate his services to help raise funds for Veloso.

Several community members and businesses donated items for the live auction. Original artwork, vacation packages, dining options, beer, clothing and more were auctioned off all in support of Veloso's treatment and follow-up appointments.

After the auction, event goers were invited to stay and listen and dance to local musicians Dennis McGregor and The Spoilers and revel in the community spirit and love.

"This event was an example of the best of what Sisters is as a community," said Yoder.

If you weren't able to attend and you would like to make a donation to Veloso's recovery you may mail a contribution to Justin M. Veloso Cancer Fund PO Box 370, Sisters, Oregon 97759 or direct a deposit at any Bank of the Cascades branch to the Justin M. Veloso Fund, account number 88458.