Nicole Olinger of Prophetstown, renowned locally for her photography skills for the PLT #3 School District, has been battling breast cancer again since August 2025. She faced the same fight in 2020 and underwent a double mastectomy, but was diagnosed last summer with stage 4 cancer that had also metastasized to her liver. She’s been receiving care and chemotherapy at City of Hope in Zion, IL.
Organizers hope that Saturday’s benefit will provide continued financial support and relief for her cancer treatment journey in the months ahead. Despite her battles, Nicole has maintained her business in downtown Prophetstown, Nicole Olinger Photography, and remains as active as can be in the community, even attending an assembly this week at the PLT 6-12 Campus for Hope Week. She has the love and support of her husband, Gabe, and kids Gavin and Avery, as well as the support from her friends and community to know she’s not alone in this fight.
“Our communities are so amazing, and they are not letting Nicole fight this battle alone,” says friend and event organizer Tirzah Renkes. “It’s clear in the amount of donations and support we’ve received that Nicole and her family are so loved by everyone. They’re our friends, our neighbors, and our family, and showing up for them was never a question – they’d do the same for any one of us, and we’re going to knock this one out of the park for her!”
The day kicks off with a livestreamed rubber duck race down Coon Creek at Prophetstown State Recreation Area at 9 a.m., where the cost is $20 per duck, and the winner gets $500. The benefit begins at 3 p.m. in Rock Falls with games, prizes, and surprises through the night. There will be a pulled pork dinner for $20/ticket, a 50/50 raffle, a booze pull, gun raffles, t-shirt sales, and silent and live auctions. The silent auction will close at 7 p.m., and live auctions start at 7 p.m., with the event wrapping up at 9 p.m.
Auction and raffle items include a day at the ballpark for a Cubs vs. Yankees baseball game, camping supplies, power drills, a Norwex basket, an outdoor grill, Blackstone griddle, lottery tickets, handmade wreaths, desserts, numerous gift certificates, 250 gallons of propane, an outdoor movie night basket, a gardener’s package, baker’s basket, patio set, a cozy coffee basket, portable inverter generator, one free deer processing, outdoor speakers, toy tractors, and much more!
All funds raised at the event will be given to Nicole to offset medical and travel expenses and support her and her family as they navigate the challenges ahead. A GoFundMe is also active and can be found at this link.
Check out all the raffle items at this event link, and come on out to the American Legion in Rock Falls anytime between 3-9 p.m. and help support Nicole in her courageous fight!
