‘Fryin for Rhyan’ Huge Success

"This is a big-time benefit for children's cancer research and we're really glad to do it," remarked Steve Bloess, co-organizer of "Fryin' for Rhyan," held Tuesday at Kehde's BBQ in Sedalia.

Several volunteers came together to make the four-hour event a huge success, including Allen and Sam Young, John Kehde, the SFCC cheerleader squad, and the staff at Kehde's, who came in on their day off to volunteer their time and talents for the cause.

One of those Kehde's employees was waitress Sadie Reeser, who was more than happy to do her part.

"It's for a really good cause. A lot of my family has had cancer, so doing research for cancer is really crucial to maybe finding a cure," Reeser said. "Everyone's donating their time and energy to help out. It's just really important."

University of Missouri Head Basketball Coach Kim Anderson also attended "Fryin' for Rhyan" and he explained his support for the event.

"Brad Loos has been an assistant coach of mine for 15 years now. And the family has kind of grown up together. The reason we're here is Rhyan Loos, and we're trying to raise as much money as we can. The people of Sedalia, as always, turn out," Anderson said.

He credited Bloess for his tireless efforts in getting the event organized. "If I ever need anything, any help in Sedalia, I just call Steve and it's done, Coach Anderson noted, adding that he was pleased with the turnout for the MU Tiger Caravan's appearance at the Sedalia Country Club last week.

"This is my town, you know. These people have been so good to me," he concluded.

Brad Loos explained that his six-year-old daughter Rhyan was diagnosed with a form of pediatric cancer in October. "About a month later, we started talking about how we could raise money for some research projects that we wanted to help fund. And in the process, I talked to Steve Bloess, Kyle Herrick and the Weymuths about some ideas. And Steve came to me with this idea of a fish fry. Sounded like a great idea, I was thinking we'd do it in Steve's backyard with about 10 of us, but Steve thought a little bigger than me," he recalled.

Loos said the fish fry was an "unbelievable opportunity for us to raise a little bit of money and spread some awareness of what needs to be done with pediatric cancer research and have a great time in the process," he said, adding that he was thrilled with the turnout.

"We're really excited about this. It says a lot about the people of Sedalia, for them to open their hearts to us like this, that means the world to me and my wife, Jen," Loos said.

John Kehde noted that there was a group of guys who have been planning this for some time. "My restaurant was available on a Tuesday night, it just worked out great. We had plenty of parking, all my staff volunteered," Kehde said, adding that he and his friends provided farm-raised catfish for the event.

In addition, Dairy Queen, located just two doors to the north of Kehde's, provided a free ice cream cone to everyone who bought a ticket to "Fryin for Rhyan."

And during the event,  representatives from the Sedalia Officials Association presented a $1,000 check to Loos.

On Wednesday, Bloess said the event raised $15,000 with over 700 people attending the event. "I want to thank the people of Sedalia for their support," he said.