Cape Girardeau Police Department hosting benefit for girl with brain tumor Sunday

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will host a barbecue and silent auction Sunday to benefit the daughter of officer Jon Jensen. Four-year-old Abby Jensen was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this month.

Cpl. Alvin Spencer said the event will feature good food and fun activities for the whole family.

"There will be all kinds of fun things for children to do. There will be a dunking booth and things for the children to jump in," he said. He added that police chief Carl Kinnison is scheduled to take a turn in the dunking booth.

The silent auction part of the day features almost 300 items. Police department employee Lori Vandeven is organizing the auction and said area businesses and citizens have donated about 300 items. She said items to be bid on include a Martin acoustic guitar, winery trip, handmade quilts, several sets of St. Louis Cardinals tickets, gift certificates and gift baskets worth hundreds of dollars each. There are also raffles featuring Cardinals weekend getaways, an XBOX 360 and other items, she said.

Spencer said there is no fundraising goal for the benefit, but all of the money raised at the benefit will go toward Abby's medical bills, travel expenses and time taken off work for her father as she undergoes treatment in St. Louis.

He said the department is glad to be able to help the Jensen family.

"When tragedy hits, we're there and this is a tragedy. We'll step up and do what is needed as long as its needed," he said. Spencer said Abby and her parents plan to attend the event.

The benefit barbecue and silent auction will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and include entree, two sides, drink and dessert.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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