“Quadruplets’ Grandmother” Benefit in Bodega Bay

A fundraiser for Marilyn Collins, the grandmother raising four 8-year olds, will be held Saturday, March 20 at the Bodega Bay Grange Hall.

Marilyn’s story was featured in a Press Democrat in-depth article by reporter Kerry Benefield on January 2 of this year. It is titled “A Grandmother’s Life Alters Course.”

Nothing truer could be said of this amazing woman.

Looking forward to retirement in Bodega Bay after years of working in the nursing field, Marilyn’s first loss was that of her husband in 1998.

Then her daughter Lisa gave birth to quadruplets in 2001. She was unmarried and the father of the three boys and one girl did not stay around to help out.

Instead, grandmother and mother formed a secure and happy home for the children.

Then, tragically, Lisa was diagnosed with a rare cancer and died suddenly in October 2009.

The children now have only their grandmother. The five live together in the two bedroom, Bodega Bay house that was meant to be Marilyn and her husband’s retirement home.

They also have a lot of people who care about them. The Community Benefit on March 20 is just one expression of this.

It will run from 5:00-8:30pm. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. A choice of dinner is being offered: Clam chowder or Pozole stew (a spicy Mexican dish).

Sponsored by the Bodega Bay Grange and the Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise, there will also be live music and a silent auction.

Tickets are available in Bodega Bay at Business Services Unlimited, the Sonoma Coast Visitors Center, and the elementary school. They can also be purchased at the elementary school in Tomales. For more information, contact Deanna Osborne at 875-2798.