Staff
Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s annual fundraiser dinner, this year called “Cowboys and Lace,” was hailed a success—grossing more than $44,000.
“We were able to raise enough to purchase the equipment that is needed,” noted Foundation director Nicke Baird.
“The proceeds were intended to purchase a replacement mechanical lift in the Emo Health Centre and an IV pump for the Rainy River Health Centre,” she said.
“We had great support,” Baird enthused.
The event, held at the Emo Arena, drew many people from the west end of the district.
“Our lady on the special events committee from the Emo [area] really pounded the pavement hard and got people on board,” Baird said.
The event featured a gourmet chuckwagon meal, with a pig roast, prepared by Ryan Parisien from Naicatchewenin Development Corp., as well as specialty drinks by Boston Pizza, which sponsored the bar.
Country music was provided by The Sound Man and beautiful rustic cowboy décor by Gibson Design.
Entertainment also was provided by local fiddler Shannon Darby and line dancing by Energy Fitness and Chantelle Spuzak of Dancemakers School of Dance.
There also was a penny table, silent auction, and a live auction that featured auctioneer Telford Advent.
The trip to Las Vegas was won by Vicky Jewell.
“The theme was a lot of fun, and lots of people dusted off their cowboy hats and put on their lace dresses,” Baird noted.
Besides enjoying a fabulous dinner, the 280 attendees also could take part in several games, such as “Can You Lasso?” (sponsored by the Fort Frances Legion) and “Spin to Win,” which saw plenty of donated prizes at the “general store.”
People also could have their photos taken with their friends and family, complete with western props—even a cardboard cut-out of John Wayne, which then were printed out on a wanted poster and framed for people to purchase at the end of the night.
“It was a really great night and we’re just really pleased with all the support,” Baird enthused.
Next year’s dinner will return to Fort Frances and likely be held in October.
Baird said the committee will meet in December to begin hammering out details, such as what the next theme will be.
