From The Hammonton News — The Timmy’s Regatta fundraiser has found a new home.

When the Sweetwater Casino in Mullica Township went up in flames last month, the fundraiser lost its longtime home. But, according to event chairwoman Linda Stanton, there was no doubt that the fundraising effort would still go on.

“We had held the event for 12 years at the Sweetwater Casino,” Stanton said. “All the employees there still wanted the event to go on.”

Stanton said Frog Rock Inn/Kerri Brooke Caterers in Hammonton offered to host the event, which will go on as scheduled Aug. 24.

“Without their help, I don’t know where we would be,” Stanton said. “The community will still be able to turn out for the event, which is still being held in their own backyard.”

Stanton said this year’s event will benefit Devin Waddell, a 17-year-old girl from Mullica Township, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood cancer, in March.

Since then, Devin has been undergoing treatment at the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del.

She will be entering her senior year at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing this September. She was admitted to the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and has participated in the school’s choir, golf and crew activities. An animal lover, she has volunteered at the Atlantic County Riding Center for the Handicapped in Egg Harbor Township. She plans on attending college and has a strong interest in studying to be a veterinarian, with an emphasis on equine studies.

“We’re all very grateful, especially with what happened,” said Devin’s mother, Renee referring to the June 30 fire. “It’s amazing they have found the time to do this.”

Renee said her daughter has tried to maintain a positive attitude since her diagnosis.

“Devin is a happy kid. She’s a trooper,” Renee said. “She’s involved in a lot of things. Her biggest complaint is that she can’t do the things she likes.”

A variety of activities are planned for the “Devin’s Day” benefit, Stanton said.

At Kerri Brooke Caterers on the White Horse Pike, there will be a buffet available for $35 that will also include admission to the live auction. Folks interested in attending the live auction and not the buffet will be asked for a $10 donation at the door. Prizes range from Six Flags Great Adventure tickets to a week-long vacation in a North Carolina summer home. There will be no admission charge to other food, raffles, Chinese auctions, music and fun on the property from 1 to 5 p.m.

“The owners of the Sweetwater Casino Restaurant and Bar will continue the tradition of hosting the live auction. Their class act is amusing and entertaining and has always catapulted the fundraiser to very large numbers,” Stanton said.

There will also be a motorcycle “Ride for Life” event starting in Hammonton, going past the road where Sweetwater Casino once stoodand ending at Kerri Brooke Caterers. Cost is $10 per rider, which includes a meatball or sausage sandwich, bag of chips, soda or beer and a raffle ticket. For more information on the ride, please call George at (609) 561-2027.

Stanton said the assistance of Cathy Egan of Sweetwater and George DeMateo and Franny Sweetwood, both of Hammonton, has been invaluable in helping to make sure this year’s event takes place.

Anyone with questions or wanting more information about “Devin’s Day” can call Linda Stanton at (609) 561-1665.