By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union
MENTONE – An estimated 400 people attended a benefit dinner and auction at the Mentone Fire Department on Saturday for Greg Leininger.
On Feb. 3, Leininger was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began chemotherapy on March 9.
He is married to Megihann and has six children, three of whom are still living at home.
Leininger owns Olde School Welding & Metal Works, Mentone.
“He’s just an amazing human being willing to give the shirt off his back for anyone,” said Beth Thompson, one of the organizers. “Just a great family man, a great person all around.”
Thompson said she and Leininger’s sister-in-law, Rebecca Spitler, got together and thought the fundraiser was something Leininger and his family could use. The benefit was originally set to be at the Bulldog Saloon, but the event became too large so it was moved to the fire station.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help with Greg’s medical and travel expenses and just day-to-day living costs because he can’t work right now, Thompson.
Saturday’s event included a free-will donation dinner, as well as silent and live auctions.
Thompson said there wasn’t really a set goal for the amount of money they wanted to raise Saturday, but if they could raise $15,000 “we would be ecstatic.” They met the $15,000 goal, according to Thompson Sunday morning.
For anyone who still wishes to donate, an account has been set up at Lake City Bank under the Greg Leininger Benefit. The benefit also has a Venmo, which can be found on the Benefit Dinner & Auction for Greg Leininger or the Bulldog Saloon Facebook pages.
Thompson said she hopes the benefit gets the support Leininger needs.
“Seeing the community come out for him has been outstanding. I mean, it’s been an overwhelming amount of support from the community, and it just shows people what a great place we live in.”
