Given a choice, it seems more people will turn up to shell out $12 for a good cause if there is a delicious meal as part of the deal.
If that was thinking behind the fish fry in support of the Crossroads community rink held on Mother’s Day at the Devlin Hall, it certainly seemed to work.
At least, judging by the number of people who showed up to plunk down their money and kick back with fresh walleye fillets from Lake of the Woods, fresh-cut French fries, various salads, and home-baked pies.
A total of 200 pounds of fish fillets and 250 pounds of pototoes were purchased while the salads and desserts were donated by parents and friends of Crossroads students.
Committee member Gary Esselink said about 290 meals were served up over three hours Sunday.
In addition to the meal, there was a special “mothers only” draw for beautiful hanging basket door prizes. The six lucky moms were Vivian O’Donnell, Vivian Olson, Diana Myslicki, Laura Tausendfrende, Peggy Livingston, and Anne McKinnon.
The baskets were made and donated by Northwest Nursery and Lise Barker.
But the real purpose of the Mother’s Day event was to raise money for the Crossroads community rink located next to the school.
Committee chair Joe Bodnar said it’s too soon to get an accurate fix on how much was raised after expenses, but he estimated the amount to be around $1,500.
He also said that should be enough to complete the project in time for this winter.
“We’re hoping to have it wrapped up by this fall,” Bodnar remarked, adding all that remains to be done is the final work on the washrooms and changing areas.
But residents needn’t worry that this will be the last of what has become an exceedingly popular annual tradition. Bodnar said he sees no reason to discontinue it once the rink is paid for.
“You never know when the money might be useful for other things,” he reasoned.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
