Benefit dinner set to go

The meatball and perogy benefit dinner for local couple David and Jennifer Marr and their infant son, Benjamin, is set to go this Friday at the Fort Frances High School cafeteria.
It will run from 4:30 p.m. until at least 7 p.m.
As previously reported in the Times, Benjamin was born prematurely back in November at 24 weeks and four days, weighing just one pound, four oz.
As such, the family has been spending a lot of their time in a Winnipeg hospital.
Not only have they been dealing with Benjamin’s conditions that are associated with premature births, but the Marrs also have been burdened by having their vehicle broken into three times while staying at Ronald McDonald House.
On the bright side, Benjamin is growing and thriving, and now weighs over three pounds.
“I’ve seen what our community can do so easily for people,” noted Kathy Cuthbertson, who is helping organize Friday’s benefit dinner. “We wanted to do whatever we could do to help them.”
Along with dinner, there will be a fish pond and kiddies’ corner, a penny table (as opposed to a silent auction as previously mentioned), and entertainment so people are free to come and go as they like between performers.
The performers, taking the stage in 15-minute increments beginning at 5 p.m., will be Kenneth Kellar, Kayla Lauzon, Lauren Gurski, Melissa Friesen, Heather Williams, Alex Marusyk, Dave Badiuk, Erika Jourdain, and the Fort Frances Highlanders (in that order).
Cuthbertson noted there is no extra charge to enjoy the evening of entertainment.
There also will be a chance for attendees to win a door prize (valued at $300), as well as other prizes that have been donated, including three quilts, fire pits, a phone set, a cross-stitch picture, a deacon’s bench, some gorgeous handcrafted items, and much more.
Cuthbertson stressed all the proceeds will go to the Marrs as everything, including labour, has been donated.
“Come and buy tickets to support a good cause,” she urged. “Get dinner, great entertainment, and a chance on a $300 door prize item, plus the opportunity for many other great items.
“There’s something for everyone,” she enthused.
Tickets, which cost $20 for adults and $10 for students, are available at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts and Crazy Lady Fabrics in Fort Frances, and Cloverleaf Grocery, Tompkins Hardware, and Norlund Oil in Emo.
Any remaining tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call Cuthbertson at 274-7511 to inquire about last-minute ticket availability.
Organizers are hoping to prepare dinner for 500 people. Nearly 250 can be seated in the cafeteria at one time, and they plan to keep the tables clear as people finish eating and more arrive.
“We just want to make it a fun, family night to help out a really great couple,” Cuthbertson remarked.