Steve Priebe's leukemia at age 16 inspired him to begin St. Jude's benefits; 9th benefit is this Saturday, Feb. 15 at the K of C Hall in Pinckneyville

Steve Priebe's leukemia at the age of 16 --and surviving it--inspired the string of nine annual benefits in Pinckneyville that have raised over $150,000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

"Nine years ago we wanted to have a Priebe Brothers Band reunion," Steve remembers. "We decided to give the money we raised to St. Jude's because I had leukemia. My treating doctor consulted with St. Jude's doctors about my case," he said.

Last year's benefit alone raised $31,500 and despite the ice and the cold this year's benefit is on track to equal last year. "The community support is wonderful," he said of Pinckneyville-area residents who have been stepping up since late last year to make this benefit a success. "I know my house is full (of auction items)," he said of the dozens of gifted items and special packages that will be put on the auction block Saturday. The doors open at 4 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Knights of Columbus Hall now are on the day of the event.

The hall seats approximately 670 and the goal is to pack the place. Every dollar raised goes to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

There will be music all night from the Eisenhauer Family Band, We Got it Covered, The Beaucoup Bottom Band, and the Priebe Brothers

Barbecue is being provided by the Sauced up Smokers. There will be both silent and live auctions, and chances to win some amazing merchandise!

Some of the prizes include a long bow handmade by Bob Clark. "It is a work of art," Steve said. "I donate a glider," Steve said. "We will have a Cardinals baseball package that includes four tickets, a $150 gift certificate to Shannon's restaurant and hotel accommodations."

On Saturday, it's the best ticket in Southern Illinois.

At age 37, Priebe is now a successful physician's assistant at Pinckneyville Community Hospital's Family Medical Center. "I survived leukemia because of St. Jude's and I just want to give something back," he said.