Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Tom Oakley

Warren Bailey, founder and long-time organizer of the annual WLNH Children's Auction, said he remembered the first time he met Tom Oakley. It was about 20 years ago, when Oakley and his wife Lori had just bought the YMCA on North Main Street, which they would eventually turn into the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club.

"The first thing I can remember him saying is, 'If there's anything I can do to help, give me a call,' and we've been calling him every year," said Bailey.

Over the years, Bailey said Oakley has been an unwavering supporter of the Children's Auction and several other community-benefitting fundraisers, often turning over his club to help others. In January of this year, Oakley received a diagnosis of neck and throat cancer, and although he has insurance, the cost of treatment — which seems to have been successful — has put Oakley and his family in the position where they could use a little help.

Scores of Oakley's friends and admirers have been collaborating in recent weeks to organize a "Friends of Tom Oakley Benefit Spaghetti Dinner," which will take place tomorrow night, Aug. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Center Stage Cafe at Meadowbrook in Gilford.

"Here's a guy who's been giving to the community for 20 years, and now it's his turn," said Bailey.

Amy Tripp, a personal trainer and massage therapist at the athletic club, has known the Oakleys for 15 years. She said tickets for the dinner are selling "hot and fast."

Tripp said Oakley, who's in his early 50s, underwent nine weeks of intensive treatment, including radiation, which ended about three weeks ago. "He's just trying to get back to everyday life," said Tripp, who added that his "prognosis is very good." Recovery time for the treatment could take a year.

The cost of the treatment, said Tripp, was "over and above what insurance will pay for." And the family "is reeling from that." Lori and Tom have two young daughters.

Ed Darling is one of the organizers of the event. He said "Anyone who ever needed anything, the Oakleys were there... Very genuine people, they're always giving, always doing."

Last year, the athletic club, through the Cycle Mania event which challenged teams of cyclers to participate in a week-long relay event, contributed $30,000 to the Children's Auction. "It's more than just the money, it's the spirit they set," said Darling, noting that the Oakleys invited two other fitness clubs to join with them and got hundreds of people to participate in the effort.

Tickets for the event are priced at $10 each, although more would be gratefully accepted. The money raised will go to the family to help pay their medical bills. Tickets are available at various businesses, such as the Sundial Shop, the athletic club, Nassau Broadcasting, MetroCast, Patrick's Pub & Eatery, the Water Street Cafe, and Rutter Media. Darling said there will be some tickets available at the door, too.

Every dollar contributed to the event will go to the Oakleys, as all services and materials necessary were donated to the event. The evening will include a spaghetti dinner, entertainment provided by a DJ and Simplicity the Clown, and a live and a silent auction.

Jodie Gallant, who is organizing the auctions, said more than 40 items, totaling more than $7,000 in value, have been donated. 35 items will be available during the silent auction, and six items will be auctioned off live. Highlights from the items include: $500 of carpentry services, entry fee for the 2009 Timberman Triathlon (valued at $220), an Ultimate Fan Pack for four at Meadowbrook (valued at $500), tickets for the NASCAR race in September, and gift cards for restaurants, entertainment and services throughout the region.

The Center Stage Cafe has a capacity of 500, and with all those that Oakley has helped in his time in Laconia, organizers are expecting that it won't be too hard to fill those seats. "We just wanted to do what we could, as much as we could," said Darling.

"He certainly needs our help and our support," added Bailey.