Duane Hicks
Always a popular event to raise funds to help district individuals and families with medical bills, the 12th-annual “Community Chest” benefit dinner is slated for Sunday, March 7 at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Linda Hamilton, a member of the organizing committee, said yesterday that plans are in the early stages—and the date for it only was confirmed Tuesday—but the fundraiser definitely will happen again this year.
Drawing a sold-out crowd of about 225 people, last year’s “Community Chest” dinner raised $14,775 to provide financial aid to local families facing medical expenses.
Hamilton said the organizing committee is hopeful the public will come out and support the cause once again.
“It’s on Sunday night and it’s a nice evening out,” she noted. “And this is our only fundraiser.
“We really need to beef up our coffers because we’ve really laid out a lot in the last little while,” she stressed. “Lots of major, out-of-town stuff.”
Hamilton said tickets should go on sale in the next week or so, adding those who plan to attend should keep in mind the evening always sells out.
Tickets will cost $30 each or $240 for a table of eight.
They will be available at the Rendez-Vous, and also can be reserved by calling 274-9811. Those interested also can call Joelle Blanc (274-7008) or Hamilton (274-3221).
Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow at 5:30.
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.
While organizers still are working on some details, (such as a guest speaker), the evening is expected to include raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction conducted by special guest “auctioneers” from the community.
As in the past, organizers will be gathering items—new or handmade—from individuals, businesses, or groups over the next month. Anyone who wants to donate can give Hamilton a call at 274-3221.
The annual benefit dinner is a co-operative effort of the Rendez-Vous staff, the local Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Kiwanis and Lions clubs, Knights of Columbus, and the “Spirit of Christmas” committee.
The committee usually allocates $50,000-$60,000 a year to help those in need, but this amount can vary depending on how many people need aid.
