Family, friends get together for former governor’s fundraiser

By Cassie Dlg Fejeran
Reporter

Friends and family of former governor Lorenzo Deleon Guerrero came together yesterday noon for a luncheon intended to raise funds for the medical expenses of the former executive, who is currently in the Philippines undergoing treatment.

The fundraiser, which took place at the Kili and Giovanni’s restaurant of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, intended to raise some $25,000. It was not immediately known if the target amount was met.

The Friends and Family of Larry and Jane Committee collaborated to make this fundraising event possible.

After visiting Guerrero in the Philippines, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, sought to find financial help among the family and friends of the former governor. Fitial gathered Kristi Kintol, Marrisa Muna, Greg Sablan, John S. Tenorio, Daine Domingo, and Anthony Deleon Guerrero to assist with the fundraiser.

Among those who attended Saturday’s fundraiser were Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Rep. Janet Maratita, Sen. Thomas “Kiyu” Villagomez, and the Torres brothers.

Anthony Deleon Guerrero said they were targeting $25,000 for Guerrero’s medical expenses. “We understand that the medical expenses must be very high. With all the good deeds that he has done as a public servant, we wanted to help out his wife and his kids in doing this humanitarian fundraising to help the family offset the medical expenses,” he said.

“I went to the Philippines in March and I visited him and his wife. They were saying that he actually has shown progress from the first time he went there. We hope he comes home soon. We are all praying,” said Polly Deleon Guerrero, daughter of Anthony Deleon Guerrero.

The former governor had suffered a stroke that had worsened. Guerrero endured almost a year of medical treatment in the Philippines, after being flown there on August 15 last year. He is expected to return to Saipan on July 23 this year to continue his treatment at the Commonwealth Health Center.

Margaret Deleon Guerrero, the former governor’s daughter, extended her appreciation for the community’s prayers and generous contributions.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to family and friends and the community for their unselfish support and their generosity for coming to support and help the family in this time of need,” she added.