SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Though it originally started out as a cancer fundraiser, Laugh, Dance, Shave for a Cure at the Raven Pub on Friday, June 19 will now be a celebration of life as well.

Mike Enns and Robin Sproule at the Raven Pub last Thursday. A fundraiser will be held on June 19 to raise money for cancer research. - Katherine Roth/NNSL photo

After almost three months battling cancer, 58-year-old Jacquie Fontana, co-owner of the pub, died on June 3. But instead of cancelling the event, family and friends of Fontana have decided it would be a great way to remember and honour her life while raising money for cancer research.

"Family has not only lost a spouse, mom and grandma, they have lost their hero and best friend," said Mike Enns, Fontana's son-in-law. "We decided that this fundraiser would be a good way to get everyone together in essence as a celebration of her life."

Robin Sproule organized the event and said although it is still two weeks away, they are already more than halfway to their goal of $20,000. Hopes to surpass the goal are high.

"We are already up to about $12,000 on the thermometer," she said. "Cancer is such an awful disease, and any little bit of help that we can get to go toward finding a cure is just great."

Eight people, including staff of the pub, have signed up so far to get their heads shaved and they have been raising money individually in support of the cause. Others willing to go bald for a good cause will be invited to take the stage and lose their locks on the night of the fundraiser.

"People who come here with a full head of hair shouldn't expect to leave with one," Enns joked. He added that donation boxes and a 50/50 draw will be part of the event, and the "right" winners of the draw will hopefully give the money back as well.

Past fundraisers hosted by the pub have been incredibly successful, with money raised going toward two IV pumps for Stanton Territorial Hospital as well as supplies for the Yellowknife daycare. All proceeds from Laugh, Dance, Shave for a Cure will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The event is open to anybody 19 and older and is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided at the pub and can be purchased by donation.