GRAFTON 鈥 Whether it was her unwavering drive to help others, the strength and resilience she displayed or simply the love for her family, Stephanie Hardin touched the lives of many during her 34 years here.
And to honor her memory and support those she left behind, The Stillery, along with Wild & Precious Boutique, will host Grafton Give Back Music Market from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on Paramount Plaza in Grafton.
鈥淭his is a meaningful, collaborative event with the mission to build community while supporting a local family who could use some extra love and support after the loss of their mom/wife, Stephanie Hardin,鈥 organizers wrote, both of whom have collaborated on several other community building charity events.
Live music by Matt & Sadie from Breaking Cadence will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while local shops from the area will be set up in the plaza. Attendees can also participate in a raffle for a chance to win prizes from several local businesses. Tickets are $20 for an arm鈥檚 length, and winners will be drawn at 6 p.m. One hundred percent of the raffle proceeds will be donated, and winners听do not need to be present to win.
Whiskey & Wine Tasting & Cigars with The Stillery will also offer specials and promotions, as well as donate a portion of sales to the Hardin Family. Wild & Precious, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the boutique and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the plaza, is also donating a portion of its sales to the family.
Other vendors that have also made donations to the raffle include Handmade with Love, Fused Foreverly Permanent Jewelry, Cedarburg Threads, Nourish Natural Products and Dizzy Doodle Dana鈥檚.
鈥淭hank you and everyone else involved in this event,鈥 said husband James Hardin, who added that the event happens to fall on the two-month anniversary of her death and The Stillery happens to be her favorite restaurant. 鈥淪tephanie is sure to smile down at us on Sunday. You have all made this burden so much easier to bear, and I don鈥檛 know if I would have been able to carry it without you. You are all truly incredible and I love each and every one of you.鈥
Stephanie Hardin, who died on June 11, received her devastating diagnosis in late March during an ER visit for what she thought was appendicitis. It was soon discovered that she had a rare and aggressive form of small-cell carcinoma of the ovary.
鈥淭hroughout her treatment at St. Luke鈥檚, she faced countless challenges with remarkable bravery and grace,鈥 friends Stephanie Hayes and Stacy Foeger wrote. 鈥淒espite the pain and setbacks, Stephanie found comfort in the love of her family, friends and the support of her nursing community.鈥
The two said a highlight in her final days was when her nursing program at Moraine Park Technical College visited her.
鈥淪tephanie had been tirelessly working towards her nursing degree and was only weeks away from graduating when she received her devastating diagnosis,鈥 Hayes and Foeger wrote. 鈥淚n a touching gesture, the team from Moraine Park came to her hospital bed to present her with her associate degree in nursing diploma and hold her official pinning ceremony, fulfilling her lifelong dream.鈥
To help cover expenses from Stephanie Hardin鈥檚 treatments and hospital stays, funeral services and college funds for her children, Morgan and Carson, a GoFundMe has been launched.
To donate or read more about Stephanie Hardin鈥檚 journey, visit .