Event raises $10,000 for local family, thanks to community's generosity

To the Editor:

I wish to recognize the amazing people and businesses of Kincardine that helped make the fund-raiser held for Kent Rees and his family, this past Saturday night, a huge success!

Six weeks ago, I learned that my friend, Kent, a native of Kincardine, was going through a tough time as he helped his wife, Carole, battle breast cancer at the same time that his job position was restructured. I felt the young family could benefit from some emotional and financial support. 

Given our history of working the "bar scene" in Kincardine during our mid-20s, I thought a reunion at Gilley's Feed Lot with other co-workers might be fun. The original idea of getting together to swap stories was quickly replaced by a fund-raising event as I was flooded with donations of silent auction items from local businesses and friends when word got out of the situation.
 

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Todd Thompson (centre) with Carole (left) and Kent Rees
 

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The following list of businesses and people all came forward, unsolicited, to donate something to help out, which is top-notch in my books:
 

• Sugar Shack Tattoo and Gallery
• InStyle Hair Studio
• Sandra Reid RE/MAX Point Clark
• Ann Marie Ruthven
• Scott and Jamie Brown
• Joe and Donna Fitzgerald
• Brian and Danielle Fitzgerald-Taylor
• Mark and Angel Breckenridge
• Emma Paul
• Lake Effect Juice Bar
• Body In Touch
• Fleur Wellness Spa
• Nicole Reid RMT
• Canadian Overhead Doors
• The Hawgs Breath
• The Soup Spoon Company
• WALK your DOGS WORLD
• PAWS Boarding Kennel
• Jen Hardy Tate
• Mark and Patricia Westover
• Homefront Acres
• Diane McCullough
• Sleepers Bed Gallery
• Jeremy Ling and Marjie Macoun
• The Brick Brewery
• Gilley's Feed Lot
• Shelly Roberts
• First Impressions
• The Bruce Steakhouse
• Todd and Angie Stewart-Wall
• Tammy Dobson and Corey Stewart
• Butorajac Garden Maintenance
• Kincardine Hearing Centre
• Fincher's
• AP Photography
• Krista Imrie
• Sole Energy
• Paisley Architectural Millwork
• Paul and Andrea Hamilton
• Susan Lorentz
• Ruth Gordon
• Melanie O'Brien
• All About Hair
• West Shore Stone and Brick
• Garrett Meurs
• Meridian Credit Union - Krista Clifford
• Howick Mutual Insurance
• Boston Pizza

With their help, our event managed to raise more than $10,000 for the Rees family. I don't know if I can say thank you enough, I am so proud to call this area home.

Todd Thompson
Kincardine
 

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Dear Kincardine Friends and Family:

We wish to express our deepest gratitude for the fund-raiser held Nov. 12 at Gilley's Feed Lot.

As a result of the community’s caring, generosity, and incredible love, the event raised more than $10,000!

Many thanks to everyone who supported this event, and a special thank you to the organizer, Todd Thompson. Thank you to Austin for DJ'ing, Gilley’s for hosting, and all the volunteers. Collectively, you have all helped so much.

This is a true testament of what a tight-knit community can accomplish. We are touched beyond words, and truly blessed by all that you have done.

All our love, to all of you,

Kent, Carole and Madeleine
Kincardine