Marquette, MI--Dustin Burkman is feeling "good" and is looking forward to attending his benefit tonight via webcam from St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, "or maybe even from home," he said over the phone last night.

Dustin and his Mom, Cory, worked out some technical details with buddy Todd last night.  Using Windows Live Messenger, they're hoping all goes well to communicate via webcam tonight during the benefit at Marquette Mountain.

Caring merchants, friends, and family donated lots of exciting items for the silent auction, including a precious handmade quilt by Dustin's Great-Grandmother, an extraordinary display of collector plates, a pair of extreme downhill racing skis and a pair of sleek cross country skis, a Lake Superior surfboard, a steel fire pit, local artwork, colorful jewelry, ornate woodwork items, a one-of-kind coat rack made of antique skis, and much, much more.

The benefit spaghetti dinner for Dustin Burkman will be held tonight from 6 to 10 p.m., at Marquette Mountain, County Road 553 in Marquette.

There will be a silent auction and music by Dave and Ray. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children. Dustin is 8 years old and has had a relapse with leukemia. He is undergoing treatment in Green Bay. Donations can be sent to the Dustin Burkman Medical Fund, c/o U.P. Catholic Credit Union, 1001 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

Dustin is the son of Corinna and Richard Burkman of Marquette and is a third grade student at Sandy Knoll Elementary School. Dustin is also a J6 Ski Racer on the Marquette Mountain Racing Team (MMRT) at Marquette Mountain.

All proceeds from the dinner will be donated to Dustin's parents for treatment expenses. Food, location, time and talent are being donated thanks to many generous people. For more information, contact Connie at 225-3771. 

(click on Dustin's photo for benefit flyer)
photo by Michaeleen O'Sullivan
Benefit Spaghetti Dinner
for Dustin Burkman
Tonight!
6:00 - 10:00 pm
Marquette Mountain

Cory, Dustin, Richard, and Lee Burkman
at Marquette Mountain in March
photo by Michaeleen O'Sullivan

Dustin's CaringBridge Website

Big Ticket Items for Dustin's Benefit Silent Auction
tonight at Marquette Mountain 6:00 to 10:00 pm

Vintage Skis Coat Rack - Rustico table - Lake Superior Surfboard - Skis
Benefit event photos by Todd Carter

Handmade Quilt by Dustin's Great-Grandmother Irene Eagle

"Gazebo at Presque Isle" by Dan Cook

AfterSchool Strings

Emmy's robot for Dustin