The Rellik Tavern will be hosting a raffle fundraiser for Griffin Fitness founder Joel Griffin, who was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. (Courtesy photo)

The Rellik Tavern will be hosting a fundraiser Friday for Joel Griffin, the Griffin Fitness founder who was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Griffin, who founded his business on Rose Drive in 2002, has been a personal trainer for more than 20 years and has trained world-class athletes in such sports as freestyle skiing, women’s national rugby and professional hockey. He is also a member of Benicia’s Chamber of Commerce, which has resulted in him getting to know the owners of may other local businesses.

According to Rellik co-owner Delando Pegan, Griffin had checked himself into a doctor for heartburn, but he ended up finding out he had stage four cancer.

“A couple weeks ago, he was fine,” Pegan said.

Pegan, who has trained under Griffin for several years, and Rellik staff tried to figure out ways to help out a friend and longtime community member, particularly covering medical costs.

“There’s different ways to raise as much money as possible,” he said. “We can donate from ourselves, but we wanted to find out other ways to raise money.”

Eventually, the Rellik came up with the idea of hosting a raffle in which local businesses would come together to donate items. 100 percent of the proceeds from the raffle and 20 percent of the proceeds from Rellik sales throughout the day will go toward covering medical expenses for Griffin.

“There are a lot of people that know Joel and care about Joel, and we want other people to get involved in it too,” Pegan said.

Pegan created a post about the event on the Facebook group “Benicia Happenings,” resulting in several people expressing interest in donating items. Pegan says he has already received donations from several local businesses and companies, including a membership to Training Loft 714, gift baskets from several businesses, beer glasses with giant Rellik logos and access to the bar’s VIP room for a night.

Pegan is still seeking items for the raffle and wants as many people and businesses to donate as possible.

“We’d like for people to bring in something that would show off their business and also help donate and raise money for Joel,” he said. “The more items we have, the more tickets people are gonna buy.”

Patrons do not need to participate in the raffle to donate, as 20 percent of the proceeds from sales of lunches, dinners and bottle service at The Rellik will go toward helping Griffin. Additionally, at 9 p.m. on the day of the raffle, there will be a musical performance by Roseville reggae band Simple Creation.

“We’re encouraging people to come down, enjoy some drinks, have a nice night, buy raffle tickets and cover the costs,” Pegan said.

The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, July 15 at The Rellik, located at 726 First St. The raffle drawing will take place during the band’s break between 9:30 and 10 p.m. Winners do not have to be present to win prizes.

There will also be another fundraiser held at Sprankle’s Village Deli from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 17. All proceeds will go toward Griffin’s medical costs. Sprankle’s is located at 82 Solano Square.

To donate an item to the raffle, simply stop by The Rellik. For more information, call 746-1137.

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