The Joanne Scott fundraiser held at the Neilburg Community Hall Jan. 15 raised $64,000 to assist Joanne in her recovery from a double lung transplant.
This impressive total does not include anonymous donations still 小蓝视频 made directly to the credit unions.
There was an overwhelming 400 items donated for auction. Auctioneers Lorne Fell and Earl Rowat, who volunteered their time, worked into the early morning to auction everything off. Chris Scoular was MC for the evening and many supported the potluck supper resulting in a bountiful feast.
A thoughtful slide presentation about Joanne played during supper. It also educated people on transplants. The information was supplied by the Saskatchewan and Alberta Transplant Organization.
The evening even included a video from Joanne herself thanking everyone and describing the event as "absolutely awesome." Joanne's daughter Taegan Scott also spoke emotionally to the large crowd thanking everyone for their support.
The only setback Joanne has had since her Nov. 18 double lung transplant is a slip on the ice Jan. 12 that resulted in breaking her ankle in three places. Unfortunately this has greatly affected her therapy program and prolonged her expected release date. The doctors had told Joanne she will be able to return to her room in the outpatient residence Feb. 1 as long as everything keeps going as well as it has. Joanne's amazingly positive attitude is keeping her on track despite the challenges.
It is impossible to list all the people who have assisted Joanne in this journey. The Kinsmen have been very generous in covering the costs of Joanne's stay while in outpatient as well as the costs associated with her support person, who she is expected to have with her at all times, especially since breaking her ankle.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make this fundraiser a success no matter how big or small your contribution was as it truly took a team effort. It took co-ordination of many functioning parts to make it all work - organizing the event, gathering merchandise, helping set up/cleanup, ticket sales, bar co-ordination, major computer work, auction support team and kitchen workers. Special thanks to all the people who generously donated merchandise for the auction as well as the people who so willingly purchased the items.
There are an overwhelming number of people to thank for such a smashing success. However, none is as important as the donor and their family who so generously donated Joanne the gift of life. This reminds us of the importance of signing our donor cards, using our donor stickers on our health cards and most importantly, telling our family our wishes!
- Submitted by Joanne Scott Fundraising Committee
