A fundraiser to benefit the Smith family will be held at the American Legion in Brocton on Oct. 12.

BROCTON — When Pam Fahnestock and Julie Kleven decided to help organize a fundraiser to benefit a local family, they had no idea how busy they would become. Fahnestock said her phone has never had this many calls and messages, as people all across the region have been reaching out looking to help.

“It’s really unreal, and so heartfelt. It definitely keeps us all busy. All of us are getting these messages from all kinds of people,” Fahnestock said.

The response from the community has resulted in a major benefit to support Fredonia native Zac Smith and his family as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. The “For the Love of Zac” fundraising event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 3-7 p.m., at the American Legion in Brocton, located at 110 W. Main Street (Route 20).

The event will feature a chicken barbecue dinner, a silent auction, and a bake sale. Music will be provided by DJ Majik AV. Chicken barbecue dinner tickets are available for $15. Ticket sales and the silent auction will close around 6:15 p.m. the night of the event, with winners announced that evening.

In addition to more than 100 auction items donated already, the event will also feature several high value items up for bid. Among the top prizes are a week’s stay at a cottage on Chautauqua Lake; a two-day fishing excursion with overnight accommodations; private dinner for eight guests at The Parkview restaurant in Westfield; unique artwork by Julie Kleven of Annex 25; a custom fire pit; Buffalo Bills tickets; Buffalo Sabres tickets; and golf outings at Lake View Country Club in North East, Pa., and Vineyards Golf Course in Fredonia.

“The community has been so incredibly generous,” Fahnestock said.

The generosity is welcomed and appreciated, as Zac Smith fights for his life. On April 2, 2024, Smith was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer. Since then, Smith has underwent chemotherapy along with several procedures, but no form of treatment has been successful. He is currently undergoing immunotherapy, with a second bone marrow transplant targeted for November.

“This has been quite a fight for Zac,” Fahnestock said. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, and any spouse’s worst nightmare.”

Since he was diagnosed, Smith has been unable to work as an employee of the Fredonia Department of Public Works. While the diagnosis gives Zac more time at home with his wife, Haley, and their young son, Cole, the financial strain of not working has only made the diagnosis harder to handle.

Julie Kleven, the owner of Westfield’s Annex 25, has been friends with Zac’s mother, Terri Smith, since they went to school together in Westfield. Kleven described Terri Smith as “very immersed” in the Westfield community. “Everybody knows Terri. She’s a very outgoing individual, and she’s a very caring, loving person,” Kleven said.

“You meet her and love her instantly,” Fahnestock said.

When her son, Zac, was diagnosed, the news hit home for multiple communities, from Terri’s hometown in Westfield, to Zac’s home of Fredonia, and in between. People from all across the region reached out to offer support and look for a way to help.

“The love for Terri and her son, Zac, has been overwhelming,” Fahnestock said. “… Friends, colleagues, and people that don’t even know Zac have reached out and been a very big part of this fundraiser.”

Thanks to various sponsors and donations already received prior to the event, all proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to supporting the Smith family. Gift card donations are also encouraged, with needs including gas, groceries, and food from Fredonia-area restaurants. Donations can be made to Carol Best via Venmo @Carol-Best-13, as well.

For more information on the fundraiser and how to offer support, contact Pam Fahnestock at 540-336-9171.