By Joe Bachman

What better way to start off the new year by taking part in an important cause?

On Jan. 21, ‘A Day for Jay’ will be held at Wild Horse Saloon — a fundraiser that will feature live music, raffles, bake sales, wine pulls, and even a giant Jenga tournament. However, this fundraiser is just as educational as it is fun.

Jaylene Dolph is a local nurse and lifelong resident of Wisconsin Rapids who in 2005 was tragically diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Jaylene fought for her life after spending 13 days in a coma, but survived after doctors believed she wouldn’t make it past the first night.

While Jaylene pushed through the disease, it left her kidney function in a decline, and after 11 years, Jaylene needed a kidney transplant. After being put on a wait list in March of 2016, the 30-year-old received the news that a kidney match was found on Sept. 24, and she had successful kidney transplant surgery the very next day.

Jaylene may have a new kidney, but she also has large financial strain due to medical bills and medication, and this fundraiser sets out not only help Jaylene, but raises awareness about organ donation. The fundraiser has been spearheaded by sister-in-law Amanda Dolph.

Jaylene Dolph. (Contributed Photo)

“I set out not only to help out Jaylene financially, but to also promote organ donation,” said Dolph. “With the help of the UW Health Team, they will have people there to sign up anyone interested in becoming an organ donor.”

The event is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. and run through the night. The fundraiser will feature 50/50 raffles, kids activities, gun raffles, a cake walk, bake sale, Bloody Mary bar, a giant Jenga tournament, and live music from Dade Grode starting at 5:00 p.m.

At 8:30 p.m. The Spicy Tie Band will play until midnight.

“Jaylene is someone who never asks for help,” said Amanda Dolph. “She’s a nurse, so she’s always helping everyone else, or trying to help everyone else — this is something to return the favor.”

Jaylene will be at the event with her 9-year-old daughter and fiance. For more information on the event, please visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

Wild Horse Saloon is located at 9031 County Rd. WW.