Staff
Tickets are
going fast
With the “Community Chest” doling out more money each year to help district individuals and families facing medical bills, organizers are aiming to make this year’s benefit dinner on March 7 at La Place Rendez-Vous as successful as possible.
One way others can help them do that is by donating items to be auctioned or raffled off that evening.
Linda Hamilton, a member of the organizing committee, said items—new or handmade—can be donated by individuals, businesses, or groups, adding the evening is expected to include a live auction conducted by special guest “auctioneers” from the community.
There also will be raffles, door prizes, and possibly a silent auction.
“Anything that suits that would be great. We take anything,” Hamilton remarked.
“We’re pretty good about bundling things up anyway, like if something is very little, we can bundle it up with something else,” she added.
Anyone who wants to donate can call Hamilton at 274-3221 or Larry Cousineau at 274-6911.
Of course, another way to support the “Community Chest” is to attend the dinner.
Hamilton noted tickets for the fundraiser, which are now available at the Rendez-Vous, already are about half sold, so those wishing to go had better act fast.
“I think people really appreciate that it is a local initiative, and people really like to support it,” she remarked, referring to the dinner’s perennial popularity.
Tickets also can be reserved by calling the Vous (274-9811) or Joelle Blanc (274-7008).
Tickets will cost $30 each or $240 for a table of eight.
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.
Cousineau once again will be emcee for the evening while the guest speaker will be “Citizen of the Year” Diane Maxey.
The annual benefit dinner is a co-operative effort of the Rendez-Vous staff, the local Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Fort Frances Kiwanis and Fort Frances Lions clubs, and Knights of Columbus.
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.
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.
