Bean cook-off is Jaycees' cancer benefit

The Yuma Jaycees are helping two of their own in a fight against cancer with a benefit this weekend called Gassin' Up for the Cure.

It's a bean cook-off, of course.

Cooks will whip up their favorite bean recipe, to be judged by the public, Saturday at the local Jaycees clubhouse, 2577 E. County 14th St. Eight teams have signed up so far. The event starts at 6 p.m. and costs $7 per person.

Money raised will help pay travel, food and medical expenses for two women receiving cancer treatments in Phoenix as they fight the disease together. They are the mother-in-law and sister-in-law of Angela Fowler, a longtime member of the civic organization, and mom and sister to Fowler's husband, Jason, also a Jaycee.

Coincidentally, both women had breast cancer that has turned into bone cancer.

Fowler said her husband chose the theme for the fundraiser for the play on words as the family drives out of town for treatments, showing that even during a difficult time, they are trying to keep a sense of humor.

“We try to keep it light and fun for everybody because we know it's not easy on everybody else,” Fowler said.