Century Aluminum employees raise funds for cancer treatment

A community benefit held April 28 for the families of three Century Aluminum employees resulted in $90,000 to help them with the costs of cancer treatment.

Nearly 1,000 local residents participated in the fundraiser, said Dave Whitmore, the company's Hawesville plant manager.

The money was raised for Lydia Haycraft, daughter of Century employee Paul Haycraft; employee Larry Edge; and Tammy Miller, who retired recently after working several years at the smelting plant.

Each family received a check for $30,000.

Whitmore said all of the families attended; the Hawesville and Lewisport Lions Clubs prepared food; and the Hancock County Girls Softball Team parked cars.

"It was a great day," Whitmore said. "The community truly came together for these families."

The event also included a presentation by trick shooter Tom Knapp, raffles of major sporting goods, including the top prize, a fishing boat and a silent auction for Mossy Oak apparel by "CUZ."

The community contributed $17,000 through their participation at the fundraiser and their contributions. To boost the total, Glencore International, a minority shareholder and one of Century's major customers, contributed $50,000. In addition, Century contributed $23,000 and paid the costs for hosting the event including the shooting exhibition and the fishing boat.

"It was extremely overwhelming to see the community support and to know the company would care that much about their employees," said Ashley Haycraft, Lydia's stepmother.

Lydia, age 6, has Ewing's sarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor that affects children. She was diagnosed Oct. 31 of last year.

Haycraft said she didn't know what the families would do without insurance coverage, but it doesn't cover everything, and those medical bills keep coming.The money from the benefit will be a significant help, she said.

Friends of Paul Haycraft and of Lydia's mother, Tiffany Haycraft, set up bank accounts to receive donations to help with costs. Neither group knew the other was creating the giving opportunity. Love for Lydia is available at South Central Bank, and Lydia's Wish is at Fifth Third.

"People just pull together," she said. "I just hope one day we'll be able to give back."

Century has about 750 employees in Hawesville. The company has operated the smelter since 2001.

Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen, Hawesville Mayor Rita Stephens and Hancock County Judge-Executive Jack McCaslin attended the fundraiser.