Duane Hicks
Tickets going
fast for dinner
Plans are shaping up for the Fort Frances Community Chest benefit dinner set for Sunday, Feb. 12 at La Place Rendez-Vous.
But organizers still are looking for those who have been helped by the “Chest” in the past to give a brief testimonial at the fundraiser.
Only one person has approach them so far and they would like to see a few more, said dinner emcee Joelle Blanc-Paull, who is spearheading the fundraiser along with Linda Hamilton.
She noted all they’re looking for is “a really short testimonial; two minutes is all we need.”
“I think it’s more effective when it’s someone speaking that we’ve actually helped, and they can share what their experience was, than having a guest speaker,” reasoned Blanc-Paull, adding the former are directly linked to the Community Chest and what it does.
Those who would like to help in this way can call Blanc-Paull (274-7008) or Hamilton (274-3221).
Meanwhile, tickets for the dinner are going fast, with about 150 sold as of yesterday.
They cost $35 each or a table of 10 for $300, which can be purchased at the Rendez-Vous.
Blanc-Paull, who is arranging seating, said parties can book tables of 10. Or if an individual or couple is going and wants to sit at a particular table with others, she’ll try to arrange it.
Just give her a call at 274-7008.
As in the past, the local Kiwanis Club, Fort Frances Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. #29 are helping out with the event in various ways, as is Paul Noonan of the Rendez-Vous, who is donating use of the facility.
As well, Rendez-Vous staff are donating their time to prepare and serve the food, which, in turn, is being donated by the suppliers of the Rendez-Vous.
Proceeds will assist Rainy River District residents who require financial assistance for medical emergencies.
The fundraiser also will feature a live and silent auction. While volunteers are in the process of rounding up items, Blanc-Paull said individuals, businesses, or groups that would like to donate new or homemade items can give her a call.
In the past, donated items have ranged from sports memorabilia, blankets, and quilts to carvings, art prints, and painted mailboxes.
Given that the dinner is taking place two days before Valentine’s Day, Blanc-Paull is encouraging donors to go with that theme, such as gift baskets, flowers, and gift certificates for services to pamper your sweetheart, like a massage or beauty treatment.
This way, the fundraiser can be “a good night to get a Valentine’s Day gift and be donating for a good cause at the same time,” she reasoned.
Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow promptly at 6.
