‘Chest’ dinner sold out

If you still haven’t got your tickets for the eighth-annual “Community Chest” benefit dinner coming up Sunday, Feb. 17 at La Place Rendez-Vous, you’re out of luck—all 270 tickets for the fundraiser were reported sold by yesterday afternoon.
Spokesperson Larry Cousineau said it was not necessarily unexpected to see the event, which raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to help district individuals and families with medical bills, sell out—especially since it’s so well-supported year after year by the community as a whole.
“We’re very happy with the generosity of businesses and individuals around town. They’ve been once again fantastic,” said Cousineau.
“It’s so encouraging when you’re one of the people going around trying to get people to help out, and there’s no hesitation. It’s very encouraging.
“It’s give you a good feeling when people are quick to volunteer and quick to donate.
“We’re looking forward to it. We’ve got some real nice auction prizes, good silent auction items, and some fun little raffles,” he added. “It’s looking really good.”
Anne Zucchiatti and Luke Schill have been rounding items up for the fundraiser evening.
Those who want to donate auction items or prizes to the “Community Chest” dinner can contact Zucchiatti (274-8537) or Schill (274-6235). These can be donated by individuals, businesses, or groups, and can be new or homemade.
Cousineau will be the emcee once again while Wayne Woods, CEO of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., will be the guest speaker this year.
There also will be an update on “Community Chest” activities for the past year, such as how much money the committee has raised and dispersed, and how many people they’ve helped.
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 there donates their time to work that night.
The Fort Frances Muskie cheerleaders also will help serve that evening.
The benefit dinner 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.
Last year’s dinner was a sold-out event, raising more than $20,000 for the charity.