Staff
The annual “Community Chest” benefit dinner is coming up Sunday, March 7 and with only 30-40 tickets still available, those wanting to attend and support the cause had better get them before it’s too late.
“If anybody’s interested, they had best buy them soon,” warned Linda Hamilton, a member of the organizing committee.
“Every year, we have sold it out,” she noted. “I think people like to support this organization.
“It is specifically local, and I think there’s always somebody in the crowd there that we’ve helped, or helped a family member or someone they know.
“I think they’re trying to give back,” she reasoned.
The purpose of the “Community Chest” is to provide financial aid to local families who may need help to cover medical costs.
Tickets, which cost $30 each, are available at La Place Rendez-Vous (274-9811) or by calling Joelle Blanc at 274-7008.
Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6.
As well, organizers still are looking for items to be up for auction or raffled off that evening.
“They’re coming in. My office is filling up—it’s starting to look like Christmas,” chuckled Hamilton.
“But there’s always room for more.”
Items—new or handmade—can be donated by individuals, businesses, or groups, with the evening 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.
Anyone who wants to donate can call Hamilton (274-8782) or Larry Cousineau (274-6911).
Cousineau will be emcee for the evening while “Citizen of the Year” Diane Maxey will be the guest speaker.
The annual benefit dinner is a co-operative effort of the Rendez-Vous staff, the local Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club and Fort Frances Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and “Spirit of Christmas.”
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.
Last year’s “Community Chest” dinner was sold out, raising $14,775 to provide financial aid to local families facing medical expenses.
