Katie's Game Donations "Over and Beyond" Expectations

not only packed the gym with more than 800 people out to support a good cause, but the event also raised a lot of money and touched countless hearts.

The fundraiser at was put on to help Katie Wyatt and her family with medical costs. The Fenton eighth-grader, who is fighting a fierce battle with kidney cancer, was the guest of honor at "Katie's Game" Friday.

“I never thought we would be able to get that high of turnout,” said Fenton parent Chip Beltinck, whose family helped organize the event in just more than a week. “I don’t think you could expect anything more to come out of a fundraiser. It was way over the top. It hit everyone in the heart.”

The Beltincks declined to release how much money was raised, but said that donations have still been rolling into the store.

“It was way over and beyond what we expected,” said Mary Ann Beltinck.

The group easily brought in thousands of dollars with around 800 people attending the event with the $3 admission fee.

T-shirt sales also brought in thousands of dollars.

That night the group also sold out of 501 T-shirts, which featured Katie’s signature and sold for $10. The Beltincks said 300 more have been ordered and will be on sale for $10 at 101 North Adelaide in Fenton. Students will also be able to purchase shirts at AGS Middle School. Pre-orders are being accepted at Sawyer Jewelers.

Beltinck said 14,000 raffle tickets were sold. Most were sold by by Katie's arm length (16 tickets) and cost $10. More than 100 prizes were given away Friday night.

AGS Middle School has done various things for Katie, including selling bracelets with her name on them, taking up collections at lunch, having choir and hosting band concerts in her honor. The staff and students visit her on a weekly basis.

“Proud doesn’t begin to explain the way I feel about our students, staff and community.  They came together in a time when it wasn’t easy to face the realities of the situation,” AGS principal Heidie Ciesielski said.  “I think the event showed the students the value of living in a community like Fenton, and the value of the people around them caring about each other.  It is a great learning lesson for what small communities can do for each other.”

 Donations are being accepted "in care of Doug Wyatt" at, 101 North Adelaide in Fenton. For more information call 810-629-7936.