Concert earns $3,000 for 3-D fund

At right: Julie Green Niehenke, far right, sings lead with support from husband Keith, center, and their band, the Hankers, at a benefit concert at Schmuck Park.

Keith and Julie Green Niehenke performed with the Hankers Sunday at Schmuck Park in Colfax for a benefit concert for Whitman Community Hospital Foundation’s Tomosynthesis Fund Drive, which aids the purchase of 3-D mammography equipment at Whitman Hospital and Medical Center.

They were backed by lead guitarist Greg Stephens, bass guitarist Seth Humphrey and drummer Gary Hassler.

Both Keith and Julie grew up in Colfax and were in Suzuki violin classes together.

Both of their families have been touched by cancer, and Julie is a thyroid cancer survivor, so they were pleased to offer their talents for the benefit.

At the beginning of the concert, Rhonda Kromm, teacher in Pullman and former Colfax student, talked about the importance of early breast cancer detection and invited breast cancer fighters and survivors and other cancer survivors to the stage to be honored.

The Tomosynthesis Fund Drive is collecting donations through May 31.

The concert raised nearly $3,000 for the fund.

A few T-shirts are still for sale.

Contact the Hospital Foundation coordinator Linda Marler to order shirts, which are $12 each or two for $20.