A community benefit tea for well-known district musician Stephanie Hawkins, director of the Rainy River Community Choir, is slated for this Sunday (Dec. 28) at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Dainties and coffee/tea will be served at the come-and-go event, which will run from 1-4 p.m.
Hawkins, 44, originally from New Brunswick but now living in Emo, recently underwent an operation.
“She’s at home recovering, and she’s in good spirits,” said Barb Duguay, one of Hawkins’ many friends from across the district. “She’s hoping to be there if she feels up to it.”
Hawkins moved to Rainy River District in 1991 and later founded and directed the Rainy River Community Choir, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
She also has a side business called the Northern Lights Ensemble, which performs for special occasions throughout the district.
She’s most recently been the music director and organist at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances. But her love is teaching piano to more than 65 students, ranging from young children to adults.
Her 19-year-old daughter, Melinda, is attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, majoring in music.
Hawkins also has two cats, Pickles and Pinky, and her hobbies include hiking, camping, ethnic cooking, and downhill skiing.
Georges Blanc of the local “Community Chest,” which raises money for district families facing medical expenses, said while Sunday’s tea is being organized by members of the “Community Chest” committee, it’s technically not a “Community Chest” fundraiser.
“The objective of the ‘Community Chest’ is to raise money for medical expenses. But this is more to provide financial assistance with things like rent and other living expenses,” he noted.
“Hopefully, people will be generous and open up their wallets,” added Blanc, stressing all proceeds will go to Hawkins.
Tax receipts will be given upon request for donations of $20 and over, he said.
The Rendez-Vous is donating the room and coffee/tea while the dainties are being supplied by individuals in the community.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
