Thanks to JT’s Chainsaw Carvings, fundraiser attendees can get creative with their carvings. Photo courtesy of Edwin Balli

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Supporting local businesses, raising money for a good cause and having a memorable time are all parts of the fundraiser that the Rio Pub is hosting to support a local Sacramento cancer center.

The Rio Pub, a popular spot in town for live music, food and drinks, is partnering with JT’s Chainsaw Carvings and the Mercy Cancer Center of Sacramento to raise funds to fight cancer, which helpfully falls during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

From 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, the community is invited to participate in the event, which is being held at the Rio Pub, 6750 Front St., Rio Linda.

Additionally, Oct. 11 marked one year since the Rio Pub was bought by its new owners, so the fundraiser will also be a celebration of the anniversary and the direction the pub is going in, according to Edwin Balli, owner of the Rio Pub.

“We have been very vocal about giving back to the community,” Balli said.

At the fundraiser, there will be an opportunity to carve a name or message into one of the newly commissioned tables at the pub.

Using a Sharpie, attendees will be able to write any name or message of their liking and have it engraved into the table for a $20 donation fee. Photo courtesy of Edwin Balli

“We've commissioned three new communal tables for The Rio Pub and will be asking for $20 donations for the opportunity to have your name/message carved into the table and sealed so that it's forever preserved and seen at The Rio Pub,” the Rio Pub stated in a Facebook post.   

According to Balli, attendees will write what they want to carve in Sharpie, and JT’s Chainsaw Carvings will do the woodwork. JT’s Chainsaw Carvings, Balli said, has dedicated lots of time and artwork to Mercy Cancer Center, which inspired the pub and the carving company to partner up to raise funds.

Mercy Cancer Center, located at 3301 C St., Suite 550, Sacramento, is a “healthcare facility dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care services to patients in the local community,” according to its website.

Cancer statistics are sobering.

According to American Cancer Society, 611,720 people are expected to die from cancer in 2024, which is about 1,680 deaths per day. Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis for women, and prostate cancer is the most common in men.

Additionally, an estimated 9,620 children will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The list only continues, proving why continuing to fight for a cure is crucial.

“This will the first event of its kind for us at The Rio Pub and are very excited for the good it can bring to the community and to the fight against cancer,” said Balli.  

According to Balli, following the fundraiser, there will be music featuring an outdoor DJ and an indoor karaoke jockey.

Carve your name or message into one of the wood tables and be a part of a good cause at the Oct. 26 fundraiser at the Rio Pub. Photo courtesy of Edwin Balli

All proceeds earned at the event will be given to the Mercy Cancer Center in its fight against cancer, including research, testing and care.

“We are proud to partner with JT's Carving to bring the community together for a great cause that everyone can get behind - fighting cancer in our community. 100% of donations will go to Mercy Foundation to support Dignity Health patients experiencing cancer in our community,” Balli said.

For more information about Mercy Cancer Center of Sacramento, visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/dhmf/locations/sacramento-cancer-clinic.

To contact the Rio Pub, visit theriopub.com or call 916-238-4033.