One of the key aspects of a vibrant community is having a sense of not just pride, but of caring for others in the community which may need some help at times.
Yorkton has always had residents who have shown their hearts are in the right place. We see that through the success each Christmas season of the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal, and through the support dozens of annual fundraisers such as walkathons enjoy in the city.
So it should come as no surprise the cabaret and auction held Friday in the city to raise money in support of the efforts made to help people deal with the serious flood that hit Yorkton July 1, was a big success.
You could see that people were on-side in terms of the event the way they came forward to participate in planning and running the event, all without expectation of being paid for their efforts.
First in line were the line-up of bands and musicians who agreed to perform without even asking for gas money.
The line-up included one of Saskatchewan's most notable musicians Brad Johner, as well as Evan Chambers & The Third Alarm from Regina, Samara Yung, Rayanne Ottenbreit, this year's GX94 Talent Search winner and the Steve Gibson Band which won the 2010 Battle of the Bands at this year's Yorkton Exhibition, Michael J & The Blue Woods, and Irish-born recording artist Stephen McGuire, among others.
When you're dealing with a cabaret, the music is of course the heart of the night, and that so many talented people were willing to perform to help the city's recovery from the worst flood in its history speaks highly of them.
But they were only part of the event. An auction table had more than 100 items, all donated to the cause.
Volunteers sold the tickets and ran the auction and did all the little jobs which are crucial for a good night.
The musicians get the adulation on stage at least, but the volunteers need a pat on the back too.And then finally there are all those who attended. More than 700, which in this city is major support for a musical event.
Those people, through the purchase of tickets, the silent auction items, and the bar, helped raise what is estimated to be more than $30,000 which will go to groups which were among the first responding to the public need when the flood hit.
That will certainly help offset the costs those groups faced in supporting people, many of whom found themselves forced out of their homes because of the flood waters.
While insurance and the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program will ultimately cover many of the costs associated with settling back into homes in the city, it was first responder groups which dealt with the immediate shock and needs of families in the city. That the community has come together to help raise more than $30,000 toward those costs speaks to the pride we have in our city and the compassion we have for fellow residents.
