Posted: 9/11/07
Fundraiser here Saturday
will help area flood victims
By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
The outpouring of help for the victims of the August 2007 floods in southeast Minnesota has been unprecedented. But as the floodwaters have receded, bridges and roads are repaired, and many of us get back to our day-to-day routines, the financial reality hits for those who sustained the most damage.
"The folks who were hit the worst are just now starting to realize the financial hardships that are still in front of them. Itís going to take a long time and massive amounts of financial help. Thatís why weíre planning this flood relief fundraiser," explained Norman Snodgrass.
Snodgrass is organizing a fundraising event, which will be held this Saturday, Sept. 15 to raise money for flood victims. A non-profit organization called S.E. Minnesota Flood Relief Fund í07 was recently formed by a group of area residents. They are planning an event held at the Back 40 Supper Club (formerly Elmerís) which will include a live auction, raffle prizes, a buffet, and a live band.
"The response has been fantastic," Snodgrass said last week. "People realize how good most of us have it here and how bad the situation is for many in our area. They have really gone all out when itís come to donating items for the fundraiser."
The big item for the event is a 50-inch Plasma TV, which will be the final raffle item. More than 50 businesses in the area have donated everything from weekend stays at a honeymoon suite, to gift certificates at spas and fine dining establishments. As of last week, Snodgrass already had more than 100 items to be auctioned or raffled off.
The fundraiser will begin at 3 p.m. at the supper club, located just west of Caledonia, with the auction and other festivities. Food and drinks will be served throughout the afternoon and evening, with all proceeds going to the flood relief fund.
Reimer Revolution, a band from Ettrick, Wis., will be performing for a dance, which will begin at 8 p.m.
All of the proceeds raised will go directly to assist the flood victims who suffered major losses in Rushford, Dorchester, Iowa, and throughout Houston County.
"People can still donate an item for the auction or make a contribution," Snodgrass noted. The drop off sites are La Crescent Insurance, in La Crescent, Eitzen Bank of Caledonia, and Jennings State Bank of Spring Grove. Persons should make checks out to: S.E. MN Flood Relief fund í07.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com