Marlborough Gives to the Giving

The greater Marlborough community has come together to support Donna Peltak and her husband Bobby in their time of need.

“They touched a lot lof hearts in Marlborough," said Marlowe whose brother-in-law Bobby was recently diagnosed with cancer after other ailments. “We’ve never reached out for help before, but this is the one she can’t get out from under."

The effort to create A Day for Bobby and Donna has flipped on its head the usual dynamic for the giving couple. The event this Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Hudson Elks Pavilion is a fundraiser to help assist the couple as they struggle with bills and cancer.

Donna is a woman who is always giving and the first person to be there for someone in the community, said her sister Sheila Marlowe, and Bobby's two tours in Vietnam speak for themself for his service-oriented nature.

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The community has come together to support the couple following Bobby's cancer diagnosis in February. Bobby has had medical complications throughout the years that are likely connected to his exposure to Agent Orange, said Marlowe, but this case of cancer has forced Donna to quit her job.

“This is the one that is making my sister unable to work," said Marlowe who explained bills keep piling up and transportation to Boston for treatment adds up. "He needs 24/7 care ... she doesn't sleep nights."

With bills piling up and the need for support, Marlowe stepped in and found a receptive community ready to give back to those who have given so much of themselves throughout the years.

"We can't thank the people enough who have done so much," said Kerry DiBuono on behalf of the 30 person committee organizing the event. "This is such a special community."

There have been a huge outpouring of donations leading to raffle items including red sox tickets and balls as well as numerous baskets that will be raffled off. The event is a full day of fun with activities for children and tons of food, said Marlowe who said a large number of tickets have already been sold. It will be a great time, rain or shine, she said.

Ultimately, said Marlowe, the day is about giving back to two people who have done so much for the community.

“Things come back to you in life when you’ve helped people and done good things in the past," said Marlowe who explained the event will go on rain or shine.