Sandy and Tynlee Thomas bid on one of the many decorative gift baskets at the 2014 Carrie Young Memorial. This year's auction and dinner, which raises funds to support the handicapped and elderly in Grant County, will be Friday, Dec. 4, at the John Day Elks Lodge.

JOHN DAY – For local seniors and homebound folks, the holidays are full of more warmth and joy thanks to a local woman’s devotion to her late sister.

The 22nd annual Carrie Young Memorial, a by-donation spaghetti dinner and auction fundraiser, is coming up on Friday, Dec. 4, at the John Day Elks Lodge.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m.

Lucie Immoos launched the event in 1993, in memory of her sister, Carrie Young, who died in a car accident that year. Young worked as a certified nurse’s assistant, who was dedicated to working with the elderly at local medical facilities and nursing homes.

Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the purchase of gifts and everyday living items for patients at four assisted living facilities – Blue Mountain Care Center, Valley View Assisted Living, Bear Valley Assisted Living and Chesley’s Elderberry House, plus helping with heat certificates, groceries, clothing and other needs for 150 homebound elderly and handicapped people throughout Grant County.

The event, which has grown in assisting more seniors each year, has become a local holiday tradition.

To make a donation or for more information, contact Lucie Immoos at 541-620-2098.