Boardy Barn Benefit Raising Funds For Local Hero’s Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

A fundraiser for Bill John Koehler, a Hampton Bays fireman who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, will be held at the Boardy Barn in Hampton Bays on Saturday, October 27.

Taking place from 4 to 8 p.m., the benefit will feature a 50/50 raffle ($20 per ticket), a Chinese auction, a cash bar, food and live music from Way Back When and Untreated Classic Rock Band.

All proceeds from the evening will go towards Koehler’s medical expenses.

Koehler, who is very involved in the East End community, is known as Santa Claus to many local children. He spent many years delighting little ones and bringing holiday cheer as they met jolly Old Saint Nick.

In addition to the upcoming benefit, there has also been a GoFundMe page set up in support of Koehler’s fight against cancer.

“On going treatments are very expensive and it really takes a lot out of him,” the page explains. “If you know Bill John you know he is a bull of a man. Bill John has helped so many people throughout the years, but now he is in the need of help. So please help in any way you can but most important is that we keep him in our prayers.”

Over the past three months, 23 people have donated, raising over $1,300. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com.

“Anything given would be greatly appreciated and will all go to someone that has helped people in so many ways,” the page notes.

Tickets to the benefit at the Boardy Barn are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door. The event is open to attendees 16-years-old and older.

Boardy Barn is located at 270 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. For more information about the event, visit www.facebook.com.