Duane Hicks
With just a few tickets left for the Fort Frances Community Chest benefit dinner set for this Sunday at La Place Rendez-Vous, you’d better act fast if plan to attend.
Emcee Joelle Paull, who is spearheading the fundraiser along with Linda Hamilton, said the event is almost sold out.
But if there’s any last-minute people who want a couple of tickets, she’ll try to accommodate them.
Tickets cost $35 each, which can be purchased by calling Paull at 274-7008.
The evening will begin with cocktail hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. sharp.
The program will include a couple of testimonials from those who have been helped by the “Chest” in the past.
Paull said that more people are encouraged to offer testimonials, adding they only have to be brief—two minutes at most.
Alternately, if an individual is nervous about speaking in front of others, they can prepare a testimonial in writing and bring it to Sunday’s dinner, where someone else (such as Paull) will read it out on their behalf.
The fundraiser also will feature a silent auction, draws, and raffles throughout the evening, as well as a live auction after dinner.
Paull said volunteers have been rounding up some excellent prizes, ranging from a Samsung Galaxy Tab (tablet computer) to a couple of guided fishing trips.
“Bring your wallet,” she laughed.
As in the past, the Fort Frances 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.
The menu includes Polonaise soup, chicken schnitzel, herb oven-roasted potatoes, baby carrots, and homemade perogies, with tiramisu for dessert.
Blanc said she is looking forward to the fundraiser.
“We’re lucky because everything comes together quite nicely every year,” she remarked.
“I’m always excited for this dinner,” she added. “It’s really nice to see people that we’ve helped here—I love that part—and people that have supported us or sponsored us.
“It’s great.”
Proceeds will assist Rainy River District residents who require financial assistance for medical emergencies.
The “Community Chest” has continued to be very well-utilized, disbursing a total of $121,920.27 in 2011.
