Fundraising continues for toddler needing kidney transplant

By Dixie Pettit

Orrin Day, owner of Ramona Mainstage, is providing another venue to raise money for Liam Houck, a Ramona toddler in need of a kidney transplant.

The Mainstage will host a three-band event on Oct. 9 with all of the proceeds going directly back to the COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association) for Liam Houck fund.

The story of the littlest Houck came to the attention of Sentinel readers during the Ramona Country Fair. According to Liam’s parents, Marine Capt. Reid and Vanessa Houck, the toddler has a rare medical condition and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. The local fundraising effort has continued with a multi-national appeal.

Ramona resident Suzanne Reese stepped into the role of community organizer for COTA. Reese is the “go to” person for updates on the family and fundraising efforts and donations being collected toward the $125,000 goal/projected need.

Since the fundraising efforts hit Ramona ears, events have included garage and bake sales, bar-becues, donation jars, and even a wine tasting. What once seemed an astronomical amount to the Houck family is slowly becoming reality with the COTA for Liam website reporting on Monday that $110,800 has been raised.

While the dollars are impressive, the work is not finished until Liam has a new kidney.

Updates, donations and more information is at cotaforliam.com or from Reese at 858-449-4844 or suzanne@compassionatechild.com.

Tickets for the concert are $20 per person and are available at Ramona Family Naturals, 624 Main St., or by mail, with checks payable to COTA for Liam Houck, to Joe Carll, 23507 Forest Hill Drive, Ramona, CA 92065.

Ramona Mainstage is at 626 Main St. The concert will start at 5 p.m. and will feature Jason Winters, Haley Montgomery and Absolute Truth Gospel Band.

For more information about the concert, contact Joe Carll at 760-522-8530 or joecarll@cox.net.