Community raises funds for family of cancer victim

A young widow and her daughter will be able to pay medical bills and save for college after a fundraiser at Woody’s Wharf raised more than $17,000 Wednesday.

Irvine resident Kirk Howe died at age 34 of melanoma, after a 16-month bout with the disease. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their 1-year-old daughter Jillian.

A silent auction organized by family members drew about 300 people to the Balboa Peninsula restaurant, Mackenzi Wall, a relative, said. Woody’s donated 20% of its sales directly to Jenny, and an online campaign raised nearly $40,000.

Wall said the proceeds will go to Howe’s medical bills and toward their daughter’s education.

— Mike Reicher

Twitter: @mreicher