We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes. - Fred Rogers
Last night we had our Beef dinner for Baby Wyatt at the Saskatoon Club. When I first asked Maddi if it would be ok if we did this, I figured that we might be able to raise $1000.00...just a little to help out. I was absolutely blown away by the support and response from the community. We had 30 silent auction items, a full room of families, and a number of cash donations. I think it was incredible that James Gordon's boss, Steve (who had never met Maddi or Wyatt) gave her a return flight to Toronto.
I had mentioned it last night - it takes a village to raise a child. As parents, we sometimes want to do it all for fear of inconveniencing someone else. The truth is we need a community or village for support, to teach and to guide. We live in a city that is big enough that you don't know everyone. We live in an age where you can communicate without ever speaking a word. The truth is - we NEED a human connection. So, we create our village, our little gym is that village. When someone is down, we bring him or her back up, when someone needs a hand, we lend it. We do this because we are connected. If someone is going through a tough time, it hurts us because they are hurting.
It was really great that so many people of Maddi's family and friends were able to make it out. We met some great people. The silent auction was a hit with a few items that the kids fought over and a few that the grown-ups fought over. The unicorn and owl were big ones for the kids and the West Jet flights and Dinner for 8 by Chef Anthony for the adults. So far, total money raised is $5900.00, but I am told that there are some more donations coming through, so probably about $6000.00.
Thank you to all who came out and supported this cause. Thank you to Maddi and Wyatt for letting us be a part of your lives. Thank you 306 for being our village...you guys are nothing short of amazing!