Athabascans came together on Jan. 18 and hosted a fundraiser for the family of Joe Tan, who passed away in December and left a wife and three daughters behind.
Jen Williams was one of the many volunteers who helped organize the benefit evening at the Athabasca Agriplex.
“The social benefit to raise funds for Joe Tan’s family was a huge success,” Williams said. “There was a great turnout of people; the food and entertainment were great.”
$7,165 was raised for the Tan family.
“It amazed me how the people of Athabasca pulled together to make this event possible,” Williams said. “It started with two remarkable businesses offering their services: Just Us Catering donated all their services, and Harper Valley PTA donated their DJing services, as well as karaoke and skits for the evening.
“When the idea of this benefit was posted on Facebook’s Athabasca Voice Your Thoughts and Opinions page, more businesses offered their services,” Williams said. “Athabasca Hometown Printing Company designed and printed all the tickets, posters and silent auction cards and sheets.”
A-Town Taxi offered free transportation within a 15-kilometre radius of the event.
“Some volunteered their time and others offered silent auction items — businesses and individuals alike,” Williams explained. “The response was overwhelming, and the Agriplex donated the hall rental.”
Williams said one of the highlights was the Bad Girls dance group.
“I really need to thank Rod Cunanan for organizing this bit of entertainment,” Williams said. “The other was watching our youth enjoy themselves.”
Williams gave Cunanan a lot of credit for enhancing the event.
“He did a lot to make this fundraiser a success,” she said.
