The seventh-annual “Community Chest” benefit dinner is coming up Sunday, Feb. 18 at La Place Rendez-Vous and organizers are encouraging people to get their tickets before it’s too late.
Georges Blanc, who helps organize the dinner as both co-owner of the Rendez-Vous and a member of the local Knights of Columbus, said only 60 of the 275 tickets are left.
“Anyone who wants a tickets should come forward as soon as possible,” he noted. “Last year, I know there was a lot of people who were disappointed they couldn’t get a ticket, but they waited too long.”
Tickets cost $30 each or $300 for a table of 10 (which can be reserved in advance). They are available at the Rendez-Vous, Cousineau Brokers, and Rainy Lake Realty.
(While you can’t get a tax receipt for the meal tickets, you can get them for cash donations made to the “Community Chest”).
Blanc also noted two guest speakers—Susan Martin and Ian Strain—have been confirmed for the dinner, with Larry Cousineau acting as emcee once again.
As in the past, the dinner will feature both live and silent auctions, as well as raffles. The auctioneer will be Gerry Jolicoeur of Rainy River.
Alan Zucchiatti and Luke Schill have been rounding up items for the auctions. These can be donated by individuals, businesses, or groups, and can be new or homemade.
Zucchiatti noted donated items so far have ranged from a men’s watch from Brockie’s Jewellers, a hammer drill, and a hockey jersey signed by Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks to a set of luggage, a load of crusher chips, and a leather foot stool.
Those who still want to donate auction items or prizes to the “Community Chest” dinner can contact Zucchiatti (274-8537) or Schill (274-6235).
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 donates their time to work that night.
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. Blanc noted it usually spends between $50,000-$60,000 a year helping those in need.
Last year’s dinner drew more than 270 people and topped $23,000.
The fundraiser normally brings in between $16,000 and $18,000, but had an even higher total in 2006 thanks to a large one-time donation from the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
