A cancer benefit to honor former Tribune editor Geri Murtaugh will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course in Albert Lea.

“Our community has been absolutely amazing with the generous gifts they have donated for this auction,” Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer said. “Geri will definitely be smiling down on Thursday night as this wonderful event takes place. I invite everyone to stop by to bid, eat or  just smile with your thoughts on our friend Geri.”

Cost is $10 at the door, with all proceeds benefitting the Geri Murtaugh Cancer Fund. There will be hor d’oeuvres available, as well as a silent and live auction. “We heart Geri” T-shirts are available for sale and entertainment will be provided by Rachel Christensen playing harp.

Many items have been donated for the auction including baskets full of goodies, quilts, and many kinds of gift certificates. Also available are Minnesota Wild and Timberwolves tickets and a Vikings cheerleader calender. Everything from a bowling ball to framed artwork will be available for bidding.

Donations can also be made directly to the Geri Murtaugh Cancer Fund at Farmers State Bank, 1452 West Main St., Albert Lea.

The benefit is hosted by friends and family of Geri (McShane) Murtaugh, to benefit her family and help offset medical expenses from Geri’s time in the hospital. Geri passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, after a courageous battle with cancer. Having successfully fought off breast cancer two years ago, she had recently been diagnosed with cancer in her spine, pelvis, liver and brain. She died on her 24th anniversary of working at the Tribune.