Local business helping local family...

Elliott Jewelers of Waukon recently conducted a fund raising raffle to benefit the Joe O'Neill family of Waukon as he continues to receive treatment for cancer. The raffle drawing involved a chance to win a diamond pendant donated by John and Shelly Elliott of Elliott Jewelers that included a one-carat princess cut diamond set in a 14-karat gold mounting on an 18-inch yellow gold chain. "Shelly and I would like to thank everyone who participated and purchased tickets in our fundraising raffle for Joe and his family. We put things in motion by donating the diamond and advertising the fundraiser; but everyone who showed their support made it possible and a great success," shared John Elliott. "Joe has been a good friend to us, and a great mentor and coach for our daughter, Lauren, in her softball career; continuing to help her even through his treatments. In small communities like ours, you just help people. It’s what we all do, and it’s one of the beautiful things about living in northeast Iowa.”

The raffle drawing was held Saturday, December 9 at Elliott Jewelers in Waukon, with Joe O'Neill and members of his family present to conduct the drawing, won by Cheryl Donlon of Decorah. Pictured above at the awarding of the diamond pendant raffle prize are, left to right, Shelly Elliott, Cheryl and Jerry Donlon, and John Elliott. Pictured below during the Saturday afternoon drawing, left to right, are John and Shelly Elliott, and Joe and Michelle O’Neill with their daughter, Megan. Their son, Tyler, could not be present at the drawing due to preparation for final exams at the University of Iowa. “Thank you to John and Shelly Elliott of Elliott Jewelers for sponsoring the raffle for the O’Neill family," Cheryl Donlon shared on behalf of her family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joe!” Submitted photos.