Overwhelming

Dear sir:
On Saturday evening, Jan. 24, La Place Rendez-Vous was the site of a benefit dinner for eight-year-old Stephanie Carroll, who is undergoing treatment for cancer in Winnipeg.
To say that the event was a huge success would be an understatement. The amount of $7,600, realized through the efforts of many individuals, sponsorship by clubs and organizations, and donations by businesses and distributors, is secondary to the fact that the community of Fort Frances once again has rallied to assist one of its own in time of need.
One of the organizers humbly said that all he had to do was to plant the seed and the organization took on a life of its own. Obviously this individual knew and trusted that community spirit and the collective generosity of so many would combine to make this event a success.
Had a complete stranger ventured into the Rendez-Vous ballroom on Saturday evening and mingled among the roughly 260 guests in attendance, he/she would have been struck by the atmosphere of celebration that prevailed. It was more than a community event. It was a celebration of love, a celebration of hope, a celebration of life.
The feeling was so intense that a member of a local church at the end of Sunday worship stood up before the assembled congregation and proclaimed this event had been one of the greatest moving experiences he had ever had.
The list of individuals and groups worthy of acknowledgement would be difficult to arrive at. Suffice it to say that all the thanks necessary came from little Stephanie herself, who, when asked what she would like to say to all these people sitting in front of her, stood up tall upon a chair and said with no hesitation, “Thanks for all the gifts.”
What Stephanie was saying was thanks for the gift of my family who will be able to be with me during the difficult months ahead, thank you for the gift of hope that I will become healthy and whole again, and thank you for the gift of community that has given my family and I support and love during a very difficult time.
Need more be said?
The people of Fort Frances can hold their heads high with pride for their sense of community and their unlimited generosity. This was probably best summed up by the testimonial of a local clergyman, who having recently moved here, commented that of all the places he has been posted and lived, Fort Frances is probably the friendliest and most generous community he has yet encountered.
The organizers of the Stephanie Carroll benefit dinner would like to express heartfelt thanks to all who in any way helped in making this event the outstanding success it was. Your unselfish contribution proved once again that we are indeed a community to be proud of.
Signed,
Dede Mallory
(on behalf of the Stephanie Carroll Benefit Committee)