Duane Hicks
A perennially-popular event that raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to help district individuals and families with medical bills, the 11th-annual “Community Chest” benefit dinner is slated for Sunday, March 1 at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Linda Hamilton, a member of the organizing committee, said yesterday they only confirmed the date this week and so plans are in the early stages, but the fundraiser definitely is going to happen.
She added it looks like there will be a few small changes this year.
“We’re going to use local talent for our live auction and we’re going to change up our emcee a little bit, and we’re going to go a little more casual with it,” Hamilton noted, adding Teresa Hazel, director of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care just was confirmed as guest speaker yesterday afternoon.
Hamilton said tickets should go on sale in the next week or so, adding those who plan to attend should keep in mind the evening always sells out.
Tickets will cost $30 each or $240 for a table of eight (this is a change from tables of 10 in previous years as the Rendez-Vous has gotten new tables).
They will be available at the Rendez-Vous, and can be reserved by calling 274-9811.
A total of about 275 tickets will be sold.
Although tax receipts won’t be issued for the purchase of meal tickets, you can get them for cash donations made to the “Community Chest.”
As in the past, the dinner will feature several types of auctions and raffles. Organizers will be gathering items—new or handmade—from individuals, businesses, or groups over the next month, and anyone who ants to donate can give Hamilton a call at 274-3221.
Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6.
All of the food served is donated by the Rendez-Vous’ suppliers to reduce costs, and thus maximize proceeds, while the staff donates their time to work that night.
The benefit is a co-operative effort of the Rendez-Vous staff, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the local Kiwanis and Lions clubs, Knights of Columbus, and the “Spirit of Christmas” committee.
The purpose of the “Community Chest” is to provide financial aid to local families who may need help to cover medical costs. The committee usually allocates $50,000-$60,000 a year to help those in need.
Last year’s dinner raised about $19,000.
