ST. JOSEPH — A southwest Michigan resident is planning to do his part to support the fight against cancer.

In an effort to support local cancer care services, while honoring the philanthropic legacy of his parents, Frank and Sally, St. Joseph resident Kurt Schnese will auction off a wide range of art, furniture, crystal and accessories from his estate. All proceeds raised will go to support Lakeland oncology services ­— a cause near to Schnese’s heart.

A dinner event, featuring a live and silent auction, will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24.

Tickets are $75 per person and guests must RSVP by Monday, May 7. An estate sale will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. A $5 admittance fee will be charged. Both events will be hosted at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, located at 601 Main St., St. Joseph.

In 2013, Schnese’s father, Frank, lost his battle with a rare blood disease. In August 2014, Schnese himself was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma and has completed numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments over the last three years.

“My father was treated with amazing respect and care,” Schnese said. “When I was at the [Marie Yeager] Cancer Center, the nurses all remembered him, and we sit and talk about what a great person he was. I’ve expressed to people how fortunate we are to have a world-class cancer center in our community – it’s something that we should all be extremely proud of.”

After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1975, Schnese was accepted into California Institute of Art. Although his studies were in the area of graphic design and advertising, his career put him in the field of interior design working alongside Angelo Donghia, Architectural Digest’s “most influential designer of the 20th century.” While with Angelo Donghia, Schnese worked with celebrities in fashion, television and entertainment and the music industry. He later entered the field of executive office furnishings working with some of the leading companies in the United States.

“While there are many ways for community members to make an impact, this event is the first of its kind in support of our health system,” said Brandi Smith-Gordon, vice president of philanthropy and president of Lakeland Health Foundations. “Kurt’s generosity is an inspiration to us all and will have a significant impact on the care we are able to provide to our friends and neighbors battling cancer.”

For more information about how to support this event and to preview auction items, visit

lakelandhealthfoundations.org/schneseauction or contact Lakeland Health Foundations at (269) 927- 5143.

Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org.