Alzheimer dinner a huge success

Ken Johnston

It was a sold out crowd at the third annual Alzheimer’s fundraising dinner in Rainy River Saturday evening.
About 110 enjoyed the roast beef dinner and participated in the penny table draws and the Chairs for Charity raffle.
In addition to selling out the meal, the penny table also sold out. After all was said and done, the event raised about $1,500 for the Alzheimer Society for the Kenora-Rainy River Districts.
Alz. Soc. Coordinator Margaret Schoenwille said, money all stays in the area. “We use it to cover the costs of programs in the area.” She noted that the society offers help to families across the area free of charge. “This money helps us do that.”
She said the society also sends out 2,500 newsletters in the region. She also told all those in attendance that if they or anyone they know needs help with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease to just give them at call at 1-800-682-0245.
The society is also planning to purchase a house in Kenora that will allow for respite care for people who need a break when caring for a loved one with Alzheimers. She said it will take time but the society is moving forward.
The Chairs for Charity Winners were as follows:
Greg Armistead’s Lighthouse Chair: Lori Caul of Devlin.
Patti Diebel’s Silver/Wine Bottle Chair: Lu Kaliska of Rainy River
Patti Diebel’s Sunflower Plate and Chair: Irene Hanson of Rainy River
Laura Mason’s bench: Janice Kenty of Devlin.
The event has continued to grow each year and organizers are preparing for an even bigger crowd next year, noting that some people had to be turned away this year.