Anyone who has stopped by the Togo Silver Thread in the last 10 years for a meal has more than likely eaten food prepared by Mark Hischebett.
Hischebett, who has lived in Togo for most of his life, has been the cook at the Silver Thread Community Centre for 10 years.
He fell ill in mid-January with pneumonia. He then suffered a mild heart attack which necessitated he be hospitalized for three weeks and was only able to return home at the beginning of February to begin a long road to recovery.
Ebony Stilborn, who has worked with Hischebett at the Togo Silver Thread for four years, along with a committee of people associated with the Silver Thread, is organizing a benefit supper for him to help pay for his medical expenses while he is recovering from this health ordeal that has left him unable to work.
鈥淲e have a beautiful, solid wood rustic coffee table on display at the Thread as one of the major prizes,鈥� said Stilborn. 鈥淏ut we are still looking for more items. Anyone wishing to donate raffle items can find me at the Silver Thread.
鈥淲e will have a silent auction, raffle table and 50/50 draw set up at the benefit supper,鈥� she said.
Plans have been put in place to hold this fundraiser on April 8 in the Togo Community Hall.
鈥淭he money we raise will go toward helping cover medical expenses while Mark is recuperating,鈥� said Stilborn.
鈥淗e has made progress so far but he still has a long way to go.
鈥淭here are donation boxes set up at the Silver Thread and at the Chicken Chef restaurant in Roblin. As well, a trust account has been set up at the Kamsack Affinity Credit Union for him,鈥� she said.
For a number of years, Hischebett was the cook at the Duck Mountain Lodge at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. His skills earned him praise from people who dined there.
Elmer and Betty Andrychuk are two of those people who grew to appreciate Hischebett鈥檚 menu offerings.
The Andrychuks, who live at Madge Lake, have been known to make the drive to Togo for a Friday night or month-end supper at the Silver Thread.
鈥淲hen Mark was the cook at the lodge we really got to know him, and we enjoyed his food,鈥� said Betty Andrychuk.
鈥淲e had known Mark from years before when he ran an upholstery business in Togo, and we have always liked him.
鈥淚n the past we have made the drive to Togo for supper at the Silver Thread because we know Mark prepares tasty meals,鈥� she said.
Anyone wishing to attend the benefit supper in Togo may purchase a ticket for $25 (adult), $10 (ages six to 12) with children five and under free, before April 1 at the Togo Silver Thread, Mitchell鈥檚 Drug Store in Roblin and the Family Pharmacy in Kamsack.
