Some people might spend $3,500 on a down payment for a car. Others might spend it frivolously on the latest game systems, expensive dinners and knick knacks until it was gone.

Carolann Lynch’s family will spend the $3,500 raised during a “Christmas for Carolann” benefit to pay down her medical debts.

Carolann is partially deaf and is often in pain due to frequent ear infections that began when she was just 2 months old. She has had numerous surgeries and procedures to correct and diagnose her hearing problems, but so far no permanent solution has been identified, and her doctor’s bills continue adding up.

A February surgery should determine whether the 11-year-old will need a hearing aide priced at $2,000.

“Right now, I am wearing a hearing aide. I don’t know if I will have to have one for good,” Carolann said Thursday. “Sometimes when people talk to me, I don’t know it — I don’t hear people.”

Prior to the fundraising event, Carolann’s debt not covered by insurance totaled more than $7,000.

Between funds raised at the event and donations to her bank account, the family will be able to pay off a large portion of the accumulated debt.

The donations will pay off all of the debt owed to Duke University and more than half of Carolann’s home health care costs. The family will still need $2,000 more to finish paying off her home health care debt.

The Christmas for Carolann fundraising event was held on Dec. 18 at the Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Ruritan Hall.

“It went really well. A good crowd showed up,” said Linda Lynch, Carolann’s mother. “From 10 to 2 it was packed.”

The event featured a disc jockey, musicians, a corn hole tournament, a raffle, a bake sale and a silent auction.

Several people and organizations donated items for the raffle, bake sale, and auction.

The family auctioned off paintings, photos, gift baskets, spa trips, Yankee candles, a tool set, golf balls and grab bags with children’s clothing. And the returns were outstanding.

A number of friends, family members, and neighbors attended the event. Lynch said she didn’t know everyone who attended the event and donated money to Carolann’s bank account, but she is grateful for their generosity.

“It took a big burden off. I didn’t realize how many friends I have and how many people care,” Lynch said. “With all of the people that came, it was a really special, and Carolann had a good time. She enjoyed herself.”

“It helped out a lot,” Carolann added. “It helped pay medical bills and stuff.”